A developer has helped its feathered friends on to the property ladder after completing a new home for barn owls in Attleborough.

Bennett Homes put up the nest box as part of its work on a nine home scheme at Heisker Gardens, in West Carr Road.

The first families are expected to move in by September. However, officials hope that barn owls will take up residence in the near future. The company, which has already launched one new development in Attleborough, has also secured a second site The Oaks, on Slough Lane. The nest box was put up following the help of the Hawk and Owl Trust.

Adam Bell, land director at the regional house builder, said: 'As a company we work hard to be sensitive to our surroundings and the owl nesting box is a perfect example of this.

'When we heard about the importance of boxes for the future of barn owls in this country we were determined to do our bit to help.'

Nigel Middleton, conservation officer for the Hawk and Owl Trust added: 'We were delighted to hear of Bennett Homes' initiative in erecting a nest box. This demonstrates their commitment as a responsible developer, with concern for the area in which they plan to build.'