A pub is throwing a special 41st birthday party bash for its most famous resident - a PARROT who has been greeting customers her entire life.

Beloved squawker Captain the parrot, has been entertaining patrons at the New Inn since 1985 - and is celebrating her latest landmark in style this weekend.

The loyal bird has stuck with the pub through different owners and has 'seen a lot of changes' including nine different Prime Ministers in his four decades behind the bar.

Mark Smeed, who bought the freehouse and restaurant with a bed and breakfast accommodation five years ago, said Captain was bought over 40 years ago by the original landlord Roy.

He said Roy one day 'left to buy a hamster, but returned with a parrot, who has been here ever since'.

Celebrations over the weekend include live music, a beer festival and a hog roast - as Mark explains Captain was 'very meticulous' about his expectations for the big day.

Mark said: "I bought the pub five years ago, and Captain came as part of the fixtures and fittings."

"I thought I had bought a pub with a parrot, but now I know I bought a parrot with a pub."

The landlord of the New Inn pub, based in Coleford, near Crediton, Devon, said Captain has a great sense of humour, is very popular with guests and grew fond of Mark swiftly after arrival.

He explained: "She became attached to me when I got here and doesn't leave my side."

"She's got a very good sense of humour and says a lot of 'pretty boys, hellos and goodbyes' - she's not got a potty mouth, but the worse she says is 'Roy's a bugger'!"

"Captain is very popular, we get people coming in with children, grandchildren who know her from decades ago."

As the beloved parrot is turning 41, Mark says he had a 'long chat' with the birthday girl - who requested a beer festival, live music and a hog roast.

He said: "At the end of the day who am I to say no!"

The birthday celebrations begin at lunchtime today Friday, 28 June.

On Saturday there will be a hog roast from lunchtime, the Inn will be open all day and will have evening entertainment.

During both days there will be a limited menu of homemade chillies and curries.

Mark added: "There are no tickets, so come in and wish Captain a Happy Birthday."

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/NewInnColeford/

https://www.thenewinncoleford.co.uk/