Owl can I help? New 'home' built for pair

SAFE and snug in their makeshift nest, an old hanging basket

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OLDHAM Mountain rescue veteran Denzil Broadhurst turned out on a unique mission ...

Because he received an emergency call from the RSPB to help restore two long-eared baby owls to their nest.

They had fallen from the nest after high winds swept through their habitat at Dovestone, Greenfield.

The drama began after a walker notified the RSPB the chicks were in difficulty after falling from a tree and most of the nest had disintegrated.

Denzil, from Uppermill, who spends two days a week volunteering for RSPB, swung into action.

And with an RSPB member, they gingerly built a new "home" for the chicks... from an old hanging basket.

Once the chicks were safety returned, Denzil said: "It was a very unusual kind of rescue - but I was happy to oblige.

"And sometimes, as the old saying goes, 'necessity is the mother of invention'. The hanging basket was ideal to put the damaged nest in and offered protection for the chicks.

"They seemed in good order and untroubled by their experience."

Denzil quipped: "Before anyone says it - it certainly wasn't a hoot!"

An OMRT spokesman said: "Well done to all involved in getting our fluffy friends safety back in their home."