TWO owls rescued by a North Herefordshire couple went 'fly-about' in Ludlow.

Sixteen-week-old Wellington, a Bengal Eagle Owl bred in captivity in Cornwall, was rescued by Baroness Sasa von Barth und Kippenruer of North Herefordshire Owl and Parrot Rescue after a telephone tip-off that the owner could no longer cope.

The centre, co-founded by the Baroness and her partner Derek Thatcher, has cared for the distressed owl for more than 12 weeks and helping him readjust to his new life, the Ludlow trip is his first outing, since he was rescued at just three weeks old.

Enjoying the attention from shoppers and passers by, amber eyes glinting, the bird warily allowed people to stroke him, often flexing his wings for good effect.

Also know as a Rock or Indian Owl, and usually found in the western Himalayas and India, the Bengal is one of the world's smallest owls and with Petra, he is helping to publicise the important work of the Herefordshire based centre.

For more information about the centre contact 07811 453678.