A popular parrot and pet shop mascot with a taste for McDonald's fast food has died.

Harriet, a 26-year-old macaw who lived in Dabners pet shop in Surrey Street, Croydon, for 23 years, died on Monday from suspected kidney failure.

Pet shop owner Mark Oran, 48, said she will be sorely missed.

He said: "The shop is much quieter without her."

"She was very tame and we never kept her in a cage. We got her twenty three years ago from another pet shop in Caterham that closed down.

"Harriet had lots of different accents – sometimes she even swore!"

The twenty six year-old blue and yellow parrot was a firm favourite with locals as well as staff.

Mr Oran said: "When customers were eating McDonald’s she used to squawk until they gave her some or jump on their shoulders – she was a real mascot."

Mr Oran who also runs of his pet shops in Biggin Hill, added that many locals had been enquiring about Harriet’s disappearance from the shop floor.

He added: "People have been getting quite upset when they realised she had passed away".

Harriet stopped eating on Saturday. The bird was due to be admitted to vet on Tuesday, but on Monday her condition deteriorated quickly and she died.

The average life span for a Macaw is between 30-60 years, although some have been known to live for longer.

Mr Oran said he has no plans to replace Harriet.