A TAWNY owl is recovering in the Scottish SPCA's care after a dramatic rescue operation in Lanarkshire.

Scotland's animal welfare charity was called to rescue the bird after it was found suspended from a tree above a pond at Strathclyde Park having become trapped in discarded fishing line.

With the help of the local fire and rescue service, Animal Rescue Officer Steph McCrossan and Inspector Gillian Dick were able to free the bird, which is now recovering at the charity's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire.

Steph said, "The fire brigade assisted us with an inflatable walkway so we could literally walk across the water to where the owl was.

"There's no way he would have been able to free himself and he would have died of starvation had we not been able to help him.

"It's vital that people dispose of their fishing litter responsibly as all too often animals are injured or even killed as a result of discarded lines and hooks.

"We would like to express our sincere thanks to the fire and rescue service who were absolutely brilliant throughout this rescue operation."

National Wildlife Rescue Centre manager Colin Seddon said, "The owl is lucky to be alive after this ordeal.

"Thankfully, he has now fully recovered and will soon be released back into the wild."

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.