TWO OWLS from Australia called Bruce and Sheila were among a group of birds which visited delighted pupils at St Stephen's School in Tonbridge on Wednesday.

Children heard all about owls in a special assembly in the morning before the highlight of a flying display in the afternoon.

Pupils had the opportunity to stroke the animals and learn about them as they watched the birds wander around the area of the school's pond.

A snowy owl, an eagle owl, a tawny owl and a barn owl flew over the fascinated audience in the school hall.

The Key Stage Two children learnt that owls eat their prey whole and then spit up pellets of bones, fur, fluff, and other unwanted bits, said Belinda Woodward, a school office assistant who helped out with the visit.

She said: "It was absolutely fantastic, the owls were so soft when you stroked them. The children were fascinated. In the assembly you could have heard a pin drop. They learnt about wildlife and things you can do to protect animals, such as not dropping litter. One owl was very small, about the size of your hand, called Noddles."

Mrs Woodward explained that the visit was a reward for good behaviour at the school.