Sunny the parrot has returned to duty after seven months shore leave.

The African Grey parrot is a feature of life on board the Type 23 frigate HMS Lancaster, and is the only parrot serving in the Royal Navy – she even has her own Service number, RN Parrot No 1, and calls the Wardroom home when she is on board the warship.

Sunny’s keeper, Lt Mari Duffy, said: “With the return of Sunny the parrot to HMS Lancaster the ship’s company now feels complete and looks forward to a challenging and rewarding period at sea.”

Sunny – so named because she was provided for the ship by "The Sun" newspaper as a replacement when her predecessor met an untimely end in the waters of Portsmouth Harbour.

She was in the headlines again earlier this year, when the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visited the ship.

At the time there were fears in some quarters that Sunny’s colourful language might cause embarrassment, but in the event the parrot was well-behaved for the VIP guests.

Lancaster is currently undergoing sea trials after completing a refit at DML in Plymouth, and is due to begin sea training in January. She is due back in her home port of Portsmouth in March.