A PARROT which lost its voice has regained the power of speech - thanks to the hands of Stockton Heath faith healer Dave Clarke.

As reported in the GUARDIAN two weeks ago, Flint the parrot had lost his voice through stress after getting over a viral infection.

His owner, Janine Higgins, had turned to the Buddhist healing powers of Reiki, as practised by Dave, to get her beloved pet back to his old self.

And this week, as the course of treatment came to an end, Flint had made a remarkable recovery.

"He started speaking again last week," said Janine, "and on Monday he was back up to his old tricks. His favourite piece of mischief is to pick up plates off the kitchen work surface and on Monday he actually managed to break one by throwing it around.

"It is remarkable because before Dave started his treatment, Flint wouldn't even come out of his cage."

Janine is so impressed with the powers of Reiki that she has decided to use him again to help a horse. "I have a six year old ex racehorse called Delightful Dancer, who is very highly strung and I am hoping Dave will help to calm him down."

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