STAFF at a Kidderminster garden centre were forced to call in the Bill after thieves broke in and stole a prized macaw.

Ten-month-old Charlie, who has delighted staff and customers at Barnett Hill Garden Centre with his cries of, 'whassup,' the catchphrase in a well-known TV beer campaign, was taken sometime between 6pm on Saturday and 10.30am on Easter Sunday.

The blue and yellow bird, worth £1,400 and a fixture at the centre's pet area for the last nine months, was originally for sale. But staff and customers became so fond of the friendly, talkative macaw that the centre decided to keep him as a pet.

Andy Nott, of the Worcester Road centre, said: "I believe he was stolen to order. Nothing else was taken; none of the other birds or pets. We're all quite gutted.

"We've had him for a long time and have grown very attached. Charlie is very loveable and popular with all our customers. Many of them visit us every week just to see him."

He said staff were so concerned about the bird's well-being that they were offering £200 for information leading to his return.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kiddermin-ster Police on 01562 820888.