TWOowls proved they were not so wise by falling down a chimney flue and giving lorry driver Jamie Bates an unexpected wake-up call.

Jamie (31), of Inman Street, Bury, was up early on Tuesday (Oct 30) to sort out some paperwork when he heard a noise from the fireplace behind his writing bureau.

He said: "I got a torch, pulled the bureau to one side and there were two owls sat there.

"There were four eyes staring at me; it was all I needed at 6am."

"How they both ended up in the fireplace I don't know. It must be a 30ft drop from the top of the chimney."

A couple of hours later the RSPCA were taking the pair to the Wood Cottage wildlife sanctuary in Middleton.

After being given a clean bill of health, they were released at the house on Wednesday evening.

The RSPCA's Kevin Hegarty said: "Mr Bates was very lucky. When birds fall down a chimney they usually get covered in soot and fly all round the house.

"We advise people who have an open fireplace to fit a cowl over the chimney."