BIRD centre bosses Adrian and Pat Fricker have come to the rescue after two parrots were stolen from an aviary in Dorchester.

The couple stepped in after hearing how the cockatiel and lovebird were taken from the Whitfield Rural Activity Centre for people with mental health problems.

Now Mr and Mrs Fricker have offered replacements from their stock at Revels Fisheries and Bird Centre at Cosmore, near Dorchester.

Mrs Fricker said: "I think what happened was despicable. These birds were there to help people and someone came along and stole them."

Thieves smashed their way through an aviary door at the Whitfield activity centre in Poundbury Road to steal the birds overnight on Monday.

They escaped with the birds in a crimson carrying cage but may have been pecked by the cockatiel during the raid.

The centre still has birds left in the aviary, but the theft was a blow to its work with people recovering from mental health problems.

People at the centre clean the aviary, and feed and care for the birds as part of their therapy.

Mr Fricker said: "We just wanted to help after hearing what happened. Often people call us if they have had birds stolen and ask us to keep an eye out.

"It's such a shame that the centre has been affected in this way and we want to offer to replace the birds."

Whitfield manager Steve Martin-Harris and instructor Mary Lynn appealed for the birds to be returned in the Dorset Echo earlier this week.

Mrs Lynn said: "It's a very nice gesture and we are grateful.

"It means we may be able to replace the birds."

Now they will be getting in touch with Mr and Mrs Fricker to thank them for their offer and talk about the replacement birds.

Anyone with information about the thefts is urged to call Dorchester Police on (01305) 251212 or contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.