PUPILS at a primary school have a new classmate - a bright yellow budgerigar called Lucky.

The bird was found perched on a window ledge outside the kitchens at Plodder Lane School, Farnworth, by cook Sharon Griffin. He was exhausted, so she took him inside.

The parent teacher association have brought a cage for him and, since he flew in last Friday afternoon, he has become the centre of attention for pupils and staff.

Headteacher William Brown said: "We would, of course, like to reunite the budgie with his owners.

"But if they cannot be traced, we will be adopting him.

"For the time being, we have called him Lucky but we are running a competition to name him properly."

Most of the time, Lucky resides in the school's office, but having a cage means he can be taken around the classrooms to visit the pupils. "The children love him and he joins the other school pets, gerbils Wendy and Tinkerbell," said Mr Brown.

"The pets lead to a warm atmosphere in school and encourage children to develop a respect for living things.

"The children are trying to teach Lucky to talk. Who knows? He may well be helping them with their literacy classes soon!

"The younger children have also used him as their model for drawing."

Five-year-olds Devon and Bradley are delighted with their new schoolmate.

"I love him," said Devon, "I am glad he decided to come to this school."

Bradley said: "I like him very much. He has come to some of our lessons and that has been good."

Mr Brown said: "I would like to welcome more additions to the school in September - but those of the non-feathered variety."