IT was a case of up, up and away for Coco the crazy cockatoo.

His owner Gaby De Kadt had to launch a daring rescue after the barmy bird flew 40ft up a tree and refused to budge. Gaby says Coco, who hates men with beards, took flight yesterday morning after he was frightened by a visiting builder's facial hair. He flew to the top of a tree near their home in Queen's Park Terrace, Brighton, where he sat and squawked all day. Hours after his escape, 27-year-old Gaby realised he had no choice but to climb up after him. Armed with Coco's favourite treat, a slice of lightly buttered toast, he gingerly climbed up as his pet screached above him. As crowds of children watched from the street below, Gaby finally carried Coco back to safety. The crazy cockatoo has been in Gaby's family for 19 years and was given to him by his mum four years ago. Gaby said: "Coco doesn't like beards. My builder has one and I think it spooked him and he flew off. "He's not been out since last summer. I have lost him a couple of times before but I will always do what I can to get him back." Coco, who can say hello but rarely bothers to speak, was safely back on Mr De Kadt's shoulder by 6pm.

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