The parrot, a six-year-old African Grey called Sidney, had been missing from owners Daniel Stock, Kelly Melksham and their three children for nearly three days after escaping from the back garden of their home at Clement Street, Sowerby Bridge.

Despite posting more than 2,000 leaflets around town, Daniel, a 29-year-old Royal Mail worker, admits his despairing family had nearly given up hope of finding the white, grey and red bird.

But more than 60 hours later, friend and Sowerby Bridge postman Andy Mellor spotted Sidney flying over a junior cricket match he was coaching at Warley Cricket Club and coaxed the parrot from the skies.

Andy, said: "We were getting ready to start when a flash of red caught my eye, I'm a keen bird watcher so looked up and there was Sid.

"I shouted to him and he stopped in the air and landed on the clubhouse roof. I didn't want to scare him off but whistled and he just flew up to me and landed on my arm.

"There was quite a crowd and the other team were amazed to see a coach with a parrot on his shoulder."

Andy, who had been coaching at the Sowerby Bridge versus Warley match, spent around 15 minutes talking with the parrot before Daniel, who had rushed from a golf game turned up.

Daniel said: "I still can't believe what happened and that we've got him back.

"When I got there I just saw Andy with the parrot on his arm and a big crowd of people standing around – It was incredible."

Sidney, who can recite Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, make fire engine noises and even knows a few choice swear words, is now back safe in the family home.

"Everybody was so devastated when he went, the missus was inconsolable as were the kids and it felt like this week was never going to end," said Daniel.

"But to have him back is just the best feeling in the world and we are all so grateful to Andy for everything he has done."

Parrot facts

• The African Grey parrot is various shades of grey. There is a white, bare skin area around the eye, and a bright red tail.

• There are two types of grey parrot, the African (psittacus erithacus erithacus) generally known as the Congo Grey and the Timneh Grey (psittacus erithacus timneh). The Timneh Grey Parrot has a maroon red tail and is slightly smaller.

• The African Grey is one of the most popular pet parrots in the UK because of their amazing talking.

• They are loving and can show their intelligence in many other ways. Like all parrots Greys do need toys and a lot of attention to prevent them from becoming bored.