WILDLIFE centre staff are caring for an owl which was rescued from a chimney at a disused house.

The RSPCA was called on Tuesday to rescue the tawny owl after neighbours spotted the bird sitting on the window ledge inside the house.

It is thought the owl must have fallen down the chimney and become trapped in the house in Runcorn.

With the help of firefighters from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service the RSPCA managed to gain entry and rescue the owl by using a net.

Inspector Lisa Lupson then took the owl to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich.

The bird has been given fluids, and is being fed up to see if he can put on weight with the aim of releasing him back into the wild.

Inspector Lupson said: “We think he must have been there for three or four days as he was very lethargic and quite underweight.

“He has now been taken to our wildlife centre for treatment and we are hoping this plucky little owl makes a full recovery.”

Birchwood watch manager Mark Pollard attended the rescue.

He said: “We were only too pleased to be able to assist the RSPCA with this rescue.

“The poor fella must have been there a while and didn’t put up too much of a struggle when we finally got hold of him.”

If you see an animal in distress you can ring the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 123 4999.