Almost two dozen pet budgies are on the loose after a storm blew over their cage.

Pershore resident Riley Smith, 18, was horrified to see his 21 budgies had escaped on Friday when their aviary was blown over by Storm Eunice.

Mr Smith took to social media to ask for help, with 450 sharing his appeal posted on the Pershore Notice Board.

So far, Mr Smith has managed to retrieve just two of the birds, but the search is ongoing.

On his initial reaction to realising what had happened, Mr Smith said: “Oh no what’s happened? They're not going to survive.”

He added: “I am ever so happy with the response from everyone with over 400 shares! I would like to say a big thank you.

“If anyone has seen them or has caught one in their back garden, I would be very thankful.

“There is one boy who hid in the box. He is safe and healthy, but I am still trying to get the rest back, even if it's just one.”

A second bird was found by a couple in Peopleton.

Jo Smith said: "It landed on my husband whilst walking the dog. We hadn't seen the post about the 21 escapees."

Unfortunately, the bird flew off but it was later reunited with its owner.

Mrs Smith added: "Later in the day it was captured by someone in Bowbrook School and they contacted the owner and he collected. 

"We are very pleased it was reunited as the poor lad was understandably upset."

Evesham Journal: One of the birds landed on a man in Peopleton, and was later caught at a nearby school and returned to the ownerOne of the birds landed on a man in Peopleton, and was later caught at a nearby school and returned to the owner

The birds' owner, Mr Smith, said some of them are white, green and yellow while the rest are dark blue and black.

The Two Hoots Bird Rescue in Worcester has lent its support to Mr Smith’s search, taking to Facebook to ask their followers to keep an eye out.

The rescue centre has said that budgie noises on your phone as well as food can be used to lure the birds.

Two Hoots are also offering to lend people cages to help catch the budgies.