A selfless woman has helped countless birds after setting up a rescue centre at her house.

Grandmother Kala Dowsett, of Stanstead Road, Halstead, started after a farmer bought an injured kestrel to her 11 years ago after it got caught in a fan.

“We took the kestrel to the vet who said they would only give her 26 hours to live,” she said.

“However, we managed to nurse her back to health.

“She can’t fly very well and can only go from perch to perch so she has stayed with me.”

After this, other people started bringing her birds, including birds of prey, which she looks after in her house.

Known as the Owl Lady, Kala has five owls, two falcons, a hawk and two parrots among other birds at the moment.

Kala, who used to work as a care worker, has also taken in other animals, including chinchillas, chipmunks and lizards and dogs.

She spends up to £50 per week on the birds, which excludes any vet bills that are required and can be very expensive.

“I have always like animals,” she explained.