The Swadlincote owner of a missing budgie fears his mate might die of a broken heart if the pair are not reunited soon.

Papaya flew away from the back garden of his home near Eureka Park almost four days ago after being startled by a slamming door.

And Kiwi, his feathered friend of seven years, has been calling out and searching the house for her missing mate ever since.

The budgies' owner Moe Younis told Swadlincote Nub News: "It's heartbreaking.

"Kiwi is constantly calling for Papaya and when I let her out of her cage she climbs the stairs to search the house for him.

"They were in the back garden on Sunday (26 April) pottering around as they usually do and flapping their wings.

"But, at about 5.40pm, the wind slammed the patio doors shut and Papaya was startled and flew up - circling the estate twice.

"On the second circuit it seemed like he was coming back to the garden, but I think something panicked him again and I watched as he flew away."

Moe has been out searching for Papaya every day since his disappearance, putting his cage in the garden in the hope the budgie returns, and has put up posters asking people to keep an eye out for him during their daily Government-approved exercise.

"I'm worried for Kiwi's wellbeing as budgies can get depressed and their health deteriorate very quickly if their mate passes away or is missing," he added.

"I don't want her to die of a broken heart and will have to consider getting her a new friend if Papaya doesn't get back home.

"Kiwi's already been through the wars having had a growth removed from her wing when she was only two. I was given the option to pay £200 for the surgery or put her to sleep.

"She deserves a happy ending."

Moe is offering a £25 reward to anyone who helps reunite him with Papaya and can be contacted on 07551 239621.