A barn owl is set to be released back into the wild after being hit by a car and suffering serious injuries.

The juvenile bird, named by rescuers as Grace, was found in a hypothermic state with a head wound and broken wing, having been hit by a car on the A228 Grain Road, Isle of Grain, last month.

High Halstow man Matt Wenham found Grace on October 18, and handed her over to Carly Ahlen from Kent wildlife rescue charity Gabo Wildlife, who took her to veterinary surgeon, Daniel Calvo Carrasco, at Sandhole Vets in Snodland.

Now Grace is recovering after surgery in the care of Carly, who hopes to release Grace back into the wild this month.

Carly said it had been a lucky escape for Grace, and explained why it was so important to help preserve barn owls.

"Lying there for hours, drenched by rain, she was in a hypothermic state, her head cracked opened, weeping blood - it wasn't long before she would of perished," said Carly. "Her injuries were severe but once Grace the barn owl was stabilised we were able to go ahead with urgent surgery to suture the wound on her head that was exposing her skull, which would save her life.

"Barn owls are our most-loved owl. With the distinctive heart-shaped face, pure white feathers, and ghostly silent flight, it's easy to identify. But like many of our native bird species, Barn owl numbers have severely declined and across Kent they face many persecutions in our crowded modern world. It is becoming increasingly difficult to balance the needs of our human population and the natural world."

Carly said the surgery was a success and Grace's whole demeanour changed for the better after the operation.

She has since gained good weight and condition will soon be released back into countryside, near where she was found.

For more information on Gabo Wildlife visit www.gabowildlife.com.