Youngsters at Brian House Children’s Hospice had a real ‘hoot’ when two owls paid a flying visit.

The youngsters were able to get to grips with Ice, a rare six-month-old pure white brown old, and Angel, a golden barn owl, they loved it – and they were not the only ones!

Sister Carol Wylde said: “What a treat it was for our youngsters to be able to get so close to – and actually touch – these beautiful creatures. “The staff really enjoyed it too. We very much appreciated the visit as many of our youngsters don’t have pets at home but really love the interaction with animals. “Last week we had a visiting donkey – this week owls – who knows what will be next.”

The owls belong to Karen Mankowska from local firm Littledovetails and Owls. She said she offered to visit the hospice, in Low Moor Road, Bispham on Monday, for free after attending a recent fundraiser held by Blackpool building and engineering firm Ameon. “I have already said if they have a function and want a dove release, or anything else, I will do it,” she said. “It’s rewarding and it’s giving something back.”

Read more at Blackpool Gazette.