A BABY barn own swept away by a sudden gust of wind has left his eight-year-old owner distraught and a reward of £100 is being offered to anyone who finds him.

Faye White helped hand-rear the captive bred owl from five days old. Now aged three months old he was spending days out in the garden aviary to aclimatise him to the outside world.

It was when mum, Debbie, was bringing him in from the aviary for his tea that disaster struck.

"As I was carrying him in a sudden gust of wind caught him and carried him off, half flying and half being blown. He went off in the direction of the Dean Forest Railway yards, but could be anywhere in the bushes or woods.

"He's not really ready for the wild and we're worried about whether he'll be able to find food for himself because he's so young. Faye is obviously very worried and upset."

The owl is described as "Very friendly with a white breast, pretty face and brown flecked wings."

He also has anklets on his legs, flying straps and an identity ring. The £100 reward is offered to anyone who finds and returns him alive. Call Debbie on 01594 843682 or 07881 423977.