A tawny owl that fell down a chimney faces a long road to recovery at the Hawk Conservancy at Weyhill.

The bird, aptly given the name of St John-Smythe, has had every single flight feather on both wings and tail totally singed and ruined. Some feathers on the owl's head have also been lost.

Staff at the conservancy are feeding St John-Smythe on a high protein and vitamin diet in an attempt to bring on a full moult. This could take a year but so far they are happy with his progress.

With a new set of feathers the owl can begin a fitness programme in preparation for release, hopefully next summer.