A HUGE eagle owl which has been resident at the Stowfield quarry near Coleford for some time is recovering in the Newent Birds of Prey Centre after being shot.

Tarmac district manager Jay Deakins said: "It used to come into the control cabin and bring the guys 'presents' of rats and rabbits it caught."

The team was heartbroken when the owl was reportedly shot with an air rifle in The Scowles, near Coleford.

Three days later, Tarmac truck driver Chris Godwin spotted the injured bird in the road and later Birds of Prey Centre vets operated on the owl's broken wing.

Mr Deakins said: "The guys made a collection to help pay for the operation. They were delighted that it was a success and that the owl has made a good recovery."

The owl, believed to be a 'tame' escapee, will now be staying at the Birds of Prey Centre.

The hunt is on for two men seen with an air rifle at the time of the incident.