A family pet has been hailed a "legend" after he saved the lives of three people.

Francis Hall, from Hampshire, was sleeping in his house when fire broke out nearly killing him and his two sons Sam and Trevor.

However, Bob, an African grey parrot, alerted the sleeping family to the poisonous smoke drifting through the house by squawking constantly.

"The first thing I knew was Sam shouting the house was on fire. Bob's squawking had woken him," said Mr Francis.

After Bob alerted the family they escaped with their pet to the garden and were treated for smoke inhalation.

Mr Francis revealed that their life-saving pet is going to be spoiled in the next few weeks in order to thank him for raising the alarm.

"I'm definitely going to get him a treat, some new toys, a swing, a bell and a mirror," added Mr Francis.

Elsewhere a parrot in Indiana also saved a family from a house fire by imitating the sound of a smoke alarm.