A THURROCK family and their fly-away pet have been reunited - but the search is now on for another missing animal in the borough.

On Friday (8 May) Thurrock Nub News reported on the disappearance of African Grays parrot Makhan who seized the opportunity of an open window to make a break for freedom while his owners were clapping the NHS.

The Bahra family, of Brandon Close, Chafford Hundred, were distraught and launched an appeal for help appealed through pet search organisation Pippa's Army, which specialises in the search for lost pets in Havering and Thurrock.

And yesterday (Sunday) their hopes and prayers were answered when he was spotted in East Dagenham.

Raminder Kaur Bahra told of the family's joy and expressed thanks to everyone who had joined in the search, saying: "Makhan has been found and he is home!

"He looks healthy but will be taking him to the vet and giving him a shower immediately.

"I want to say thank you all so much for helping to look for him. Without them we would not have found him.

"It is people like you that have put hope into my heart and make this world go round. God bless each and everyone of you, I truly mean that from with all my heart.

"Now if you don't mind, I am going to ground his little red butt for running away."

But the work of Pippa's army goes on.

The latest appeal for a missing pet – a nine-week old kitten, was made just hours ago.

Posting a picture of a litter of three kittens, one of whom has gone missing, Stacie Ayiotis, from Dickens Avenue, Tilbury, has asked for help.

She says: "This baby only nine weeks old has gone missing today from Dickens Avenue Tilbury. Not sure how she got out but must only have been through the back garden so anyone around my road or behind please have a look in your gardens.

"I'm worried sick about her and so is mumma cat."