Gonzo the baby parrot was trapped up a tree for several hours in Sholing

Three-month-old Gonzo the parrot’s life was in the balance when he slipped from a branch in St Mary Extra cemetery and was dangling from his harness.

• The dramatic rescue in pictures >>

He had flown off from owner Gary Topp yesterday but was spotted in the Sholing cemetery at around midday.

The four hour rescue was filled with twists and turns as Hampshire Fire and Rescue initially arrived at the scene to help but after assessing the situation decided crews could not rescue the bird because of its position.

• Re-live the drama with our live coverage

Gonzo was initially perched safely on a branch but slipped at around 3.20pm.

Tree surgeon Oliver Buck, pictured below, was called to the scene and began the rescue attempt by throwing ropes around the tree.

He then climbed the tree using a harness, rescuing the bird by around 3.45pm.

When Gonzo was back in the arms of his owner, Gary Topp, cheers went up from family members who had also gathered to see the bird reunited with Gary.

Mr Topp said: "My heart was in my mouth when I saw a guy going up the tree. I could see Gonzo leaning over towards him. I'm so pleased he is back on firm ground.

"He'll be going straight back in his cage."

Oliver, the hero of the hour, said: "When I got the call for a parrot stuck up a tree I obviously jumped at the chance!

"It will probably be the first and the last parrot rescue I ever do.

"The easy bit was climbing up the tree. He did give me a few nips coming down but I'm glad he is back with his owners now."