THE baby otter found by UBL security guards in Ledbury last year, when she came to their hut alone, cold and hungry, is set be be released back into the wild.

But Bela will not swim Herefordshire rivers; instead she will be released with two other young otters from the National Wildlife Centre at Fishcross, Alloa, in Scotland, at some time in the New Year.

Bela was initially cared for by the Vale Wildlife Centre, near Evesham, and staff there were so taken with the baby otter with a love for fish smoothies, they have been regularly updated on Bela's progress ever since.

Currently, Bela is with two other otters, of a similar age, in an outdoor enclosure.

She has access to several pools, for swimming practice.

Leianne Ralph, of the Vale Wildlife Centre said: “She seems to be doing quite well, and she has the company of other otters, so she is learning not to interact with people, but each other.”

Bela showed little fear of humans when she was first found by security guards Christopher Prince and Andrew James, even allowing herself to be picked up and cuddled.

The three otters will probably stay together for a while, once they are released, at the age of 15 or 16 months.

If all goes to plan Bela will strike out on her own, find a mate and perhaps have baby otters of her own.