AN owl which became tangled on discarded fishing line and was stricken in freezing temperatures for two days before a heroic rescue commenced has been released back into the wild.

The tawny owl, which was at first presumed dead on the far-side bank at Royston Canal, was unable to be freed due to frozen water and its positioning.

However, a hardy group of locals - made up of Royston Canal Club members, Barnsley Council and concerned wildlife lovers - broke through the ice and managed to navigate a boat across to where the owl was stuck.

Miraculously the bird was still clinging to life and, having been untangled, was then taken to Abbey Vets in nearby Royston before being transferred to the Dodworth Road branch.

Nigel Matthewman, who then caringly rehabilitated the bird for the following two weeks, was on hand to let it return to the wild last Friday afternoon.

Councillor Caroline Makinson, who represents the Royston ward, paid tribute to all involved in the rescue.

She told the Chronicle: “It was a real joined-up effort - it was itching to go and although it hadn’t flown for a few weeks, it was absolutely lovely to see the owl return.

“Everyone was saddened when we saw the owl stuck in the fishing line, especially Royston Canal Club’s members who work so hard on the stretch of water, and at first we thought it had died.

“It was a miracle it survived and I can’t thank those involved enough.”