A group of five tawny owls which survived against the odds will take to the air again.

Weston Mercury: Otis the tawny owl at Secret World Wildlife Rescue. Picture: SWWROtis the tawny owl at Secret World Wildlife Rescue. Picture: SWWR (Image: SWWR)

Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill admitted two poorly and vulnerable owls last month after they were both found unable to fly.

The birds were placed with three others in preparation for release.

Senior receptionist and trained orphan rearer Marlies Hebdon said: “We are accustomed to rescuing and rehabilitating owls at Secret World. Since January, we have admitted 32 tawny owls. Each orphaned owl we rescue and rear costs us £500.

“It is a nice feeling to know that I have helped these birds in their journey back to the wild. Watching animals I have hand-reared regaining their strength and eventually flying free makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“This case is a huge achievement for our animal care team and volunteers.”

The owls will be released back where they were found to fly free.