A beautiful bird which won the hearts of staff and guests at a Macclesfield area hotel has passed away.

Percy the Peacock, a male Indian Peafowl, died aged eight late last week.

Residing at Shrigley Hall Hotel & Spa, in Pott Shrigley, Percy arrived at the luxury Macclesfield country house in 2014.

Percy roamed the Shrigley estate, and was recognisable with stunning blue feathers, and a piercing gaze.

Shrigley Hall Hotel & Spa provided this statement:

"RIP Percy the Peacock (2014-2022)," they said in a tribute.

"It is with deep regret to announce that today we lost our beloved Percy.

"A hugely popular member of the team, much loved and admired by all.

"Since arriving on the Shrigley estate back in 2014, Percy made a huge impression on all he came into contact with, whether strutting around the spa, eating bacon rolls outside the Golf Lodge, welcoming visitors at the front door, or posing for guest photographs!

"Spread those beautiful feathers of yours & fly high Percy. You'll be greatly missed x."

Percy fell just two years shy of the average life expectancy of a peacock, but still won over the affection of thousands.

From families trying to catch a glimpse of the beautiful bird, to being a plus one at the Hall's events, he will be fondly remembered across the country.

One customer said: "We were lucky enough to meet you on our wedding day in October 2020. We loved having you as our extra guest."

Ex-employee and ex-Shrigley estate resident Jennifer Irvine said: "I loved Percy."

"He used to come outside and say hello to everybody when I used to work at Shrigley Hall as a waitress."

Another female former staff member also had glowing things to say about Percy.

"He was such a little character and loved his biscuits," a former employee commented on Facebook.

"Whenever I was having a bad day when I worked there, it really cheered me up seeing that lil fella and sharing a biscuit or a few seeds with him and his duck mates. RIP Percy, you will be missed!"

As well as humans, Percy was in good company within the animal kingdom, as Shrigley Hall is home to numerous organisms like deer to squirrels.

As well as laying eggs with his partner in 2019, he even made friends with some younger female peahens a few months ago, in his twilight years.

Shrigley Hall Hotel & Spa is just over five miles from Macclesfield town centre.

The four-star Georgian country house hotel can be booked to stay in here.

You can give the local business some love - and pay tribute to Percy - on their Facebook page by clicking the link here.

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