A tropical bird was shown the door by staff at a Wallingford supermarket.

Molly, a blue and gold Macaw, was given her marching orders when her owner, Wallingford tattoo artist Eleanor Blenkarn, dropped in to the St Martin's Street store for some shopping.

Although she sat obediently on Mrs Blenkarn's shoulder, barely squawking anything stronger than "Hello" and "Whassup?" to other customers, she and Mrs Blenkarn were asked to leave.

Molly and her owner waited outside while staff brought out their groceries and change.

Waitrose spokesman Jo Thomas said: "Our food hygiene policy does not allow any animals in the shop, except guide dogs and hearing dogs for the deaf."

Mrs Blenkarn, 26, who lives near the store, and had Molly on a harness in case she flew off, said: "I know it was a bit cheeky, but I needed to get some shopping and thought I would sneak in. Everyone was saying how beautiful Molly is.

"Unfortunately, the supervisor spotted her just as I was approaching the till, and we were asked to leave."

She added: "I know rules are rules, but Molly is a very clean bird. I bet children can be less hygienic than she is."