THERE was a hoot over at Beech Grove Primary School in Wellington when years three and four had a visit from the Barn Owl Trust.

After finding out about the challenges faced by barn owls, the pupils examined a barn owl egg, a barn owl pellet and the ankle of a dead bird.

Louis Tysoe from year 3 and Charlotte Trott from year 4, said: "The barn owl ankle and foot, taken from a bird killed on a road, showed a tag with instructions of what to do if found.

"The trust also explained what they do to help this endangered species.

"They talk to farmers in order to preserve wild grasslands and they build large boxes with nesting material that they install in farm buildings."

Baley, the male barn owl paid a visit to the children and showed how quietly and gracefully owls fly, by swooping around Jenner classroom.