Battle over Pavarotti parrot

London: The melody was unforgettable, the voice unmistakable.

A decade had passed since Angelo Ferlazzo had heard this particular rendition of O Sole Mio, but he recognised the singer instantly.

It was Coco the African Grey, the perky young parrot he reluctantly kissed goodbye in England before returning to his native Italy.

So when he heard Coco performing one day on returning to Essex, the rendition brought tears to his eyes. But it also brought him a problem.

For although Ferlazzo believed the bird was happily living out his days with his former partner in Britain, Coco had become the star attraction at Pets Corner in Harlow Town Park, a 164-acre suburban enclosure which also boasts sheep, llamas and reindeer. Now Ferlazzo wants him back.

Coco is now at the centre of a custody battle after Harlow Council refused to hand him over.