An owl had a narrow escape after getting stuck in a wood-burner and having to be rescued.

The trapped tawny owl had flown into a house on Saints Hill, Penshurst through a window and managed to wedge itself into the stove.

The houseowner had attempted to encourage the stressed animal to leave through the narrow flue of the home near Tonbridge.

But when she realised the bird was unable to escape via the chimney she called the RSPCA for help.

RSCPA inspector Rachel Smith said: "When I arrived I was confronted by a seriously grumpy – and sooty – owl.

"He was still trapped in the wood-burner and he was clicking like mad. This was a good sign as he was more than likely just furious rather than seriously injured."

Rachel managed to release the bird from his difficult situation by gripping him firmly and gently easing him out.

"When I arrived I was confronted by a seriously grumpy – and sooty – owl."

Apart from a minor cut to the beak – and maybe a dent to his pride – he was unharmed.

Rachel added: "He was probably a bit dehydrated and hungry. He didn't appear to have any serious injuries.

"We took him to a local wildlife rehabilitation centre where he was given a thorough examination, treated for his cut and fed and watered."

She said they often get called to incidents where a bird has flown through an open window and into someone's property.

The inspector also gave some advice if you should find yourself with an unwelcome, feathered visitor.

"We find the fastest and most effective way to help them escape under their own steam is to fully open the window they flew in through, and to close any doors in the room to prevent them coming any further into the house," she said.

"They'll normally find their way out the way they came in, eventually."

To report concerns about an animal contact the RSPCA helpline on 0300 1234 999.