YOUNGSTERS had a hoot of a time when very special feathered friends swooped into their school.

Kids at St Francis’ Primary have been busy working on a class topic based on the classic children’s novel ‘The Owl Who was Afraid of the Dark’ by Jill Tomlinson.

To bring that learning to life, their teachers arranged for all primary three pupils to get up close to some real owls.

Much to the amazement of the staff, the P3 pupils had a go at handling the birds without getting themselves into a flap.

Head teacher Anne Marie Mullan, said it was a fantastic event.

She told the Telegraph: “It was a huge success and the children were so surprised as we didn’t tell them about it beforehand.

“We do try to bring the children’s learning alive as it’s all very well to see the owls in books and DVDs but there’s nothing better than seeing animals in real life.” The owls captivated their audience as they sat perfectly still on their perches.

The girls and boys queued up to meet the cute creatures, brought in by specialists Owl Magic.

During the visit the wildlife-loving class found out more about the nocturnal birds — discovering where they live, what they eat and how they survive in the wild.

Mrs Mullan added: “David Morrison from Owl Magic brought along about eight owls and one of them was a beautiful black barn owl from Australia.

“He also brought along a small pygmy owl.

“It was fascinating as the owls were so tame.”