A PARROT called Bird has been saved from the brink of death after it was the first in the country to receive pioneering treatment.

Bird really was sick as a parrot when he was handed in at Mistley Place Park animal rescue centre with a lump on the side of his head.

Park owner Maureen Taylor was told there was no other treatment local vets could give him.

Then she heard about the pioneering treatment, called Strontium, at the Animal Health Trust, Newmarket.

Jan Wade, spokesman for the Animal Health Trust, said: "If our expertise can be used for other species we are always willing to help out."

Now a bald patch remains on Bird's head and he is squawking his way back to health back in Mistley, since the operation eight weeks ago.

Mrs Taylor said: "They are miracle workers - he is a lucky bird."