A parrot that imitates Daleks and can whistle parts of Beethoven's Fifth and Ninth symphonies has gone missing from its home.

Owners Maya and Ian Brandt are desperately appealing for the return of their African grey parrot, Leonard.

The couple, who run the Chaney and Brandt antique restoration workshop in Devon Road, Easton, say the bird imitates noises made by people and things around him and is a constant source of amusement.

His repertoire also includes the Mission Impossible theme tune and Village People hit YMCA.

Maya, 50, who is suffering from breast cancer says Leonard has very good comedic timing and often has the couple in stitches.

She said: "We have taught him certain things, but other things like music he picks up – he just likes to imitate what he hears.

"We listen to Radio 4 a lot and he always joins in the pips before the news.

"He also copies noises before you even realise you are doing them.

"The other week Ian was moving some boxes and making a funny straining noise as he picked them up. He didn't even realise until he was just about to pick up another when Leonard piped up with the funny noise. It was hilarious.

"He also says 'hello' every time the phone rings.

"I remember before we got him hearing him recount almost a whole telephone conversation.

"We inherited Leonard off friends of our who were a couple but then split. We have had him for about four years but he is around eight years old.

"Our nephews taught him to say "exterminate" like a Dalek and he also whistles Dock of the Bay, the theme tune from Mission Impossible, renditions of Red Red Wine, YMCA and perfect impressions of water splashing and a squeak in the floorboards.

"We feed him bird seed for parrots and he drinks water, but he also loves fruit.

"He likes grapes, apple and even eats broccoli.

"He is a very sociable bird, and is likely to go to people. We miss him terribly."

Leonard escaped on Friday from the couple's shop. He is grey with red tail- feathers.

Maya said: "Ian was carrying out some furniture and Leonard flew out the door. Ian chased him down the road but he flew off towards Lawrence Hill.

"It happened before and he was found on someone's rooftop a mile or so away from our home.

"Luckily, they were kind enough to hand him in and because we had put out calls and notices everywhere he was returned to us.

"We just hope the same thing happens this time. We really do miss him and want him back as soon as possible."

Anyone who sees Leonard is asked to call Maya or Ian on 954 2212 or Ian's mobile 07739 084 300. Alternatively contact the RSPCA in Bristol.