A Westcliff woman is offering a cash reward to anyone who can return her much-loved cockatiel who escaped on Christmas day.

Tatjana Tamarinof says the beloved bird, Billy escaped from their Clifton Drive home on December 25 and has been missing since.

People are being urged to lure him by whistling tunes such as The Addams Family and Pink Panther themes if they see him.

Echo: The dear pet in their Westcliff homeThe dear pet in their Westcliff home (Image: Tatjana Tamarinof)

If someone wants to catch Billy, Tatjana says all they need to do is put their fingers in front of his belly as a perch and he will step up. They can then walk him indoors.

She warns that if anyone tries to grab him he will get spooked and fly off.

She said: "He loves bread and rice. He loves towels and pillows being bounced up and down and might fly towards them."

A £100 reward is being offered to anyone who can get Billy back home.

She added: "Please let us know if you hear or see or catch him. Reward for returning him to us is £100. He is very dear to us."

Billy was reportedly spotted in Leigh this morning. Anyone who has seen him should call 07483877281.