Two barn owl chicks have been saved from a near-death experience after they were spotted inside a tree destined for the chop.

The ash tree was being surveyed before a routine felling when the two barn owl chicks were discovered.

Ben Boyce, who owns Treefellas in Diss, said: "We went to fell a customer's dead tree and he told us he thought there might be a squirrel in there.

READ MORE: Bird of prey on the loose in Norfolk town

READ MORE: Rare bird only seen in North America spotted in Norfolk

"I abseiled down and looked into a cavity at the back of a tree, I thought to myself 'Those don't look like squirrels' so I took a video for a better look."

Mr Boyce was shocked to find the two owls hiding in a hollow inside the ash tree.

He added: "I've only seen owls a few times in my career of 22 years and it's definitely not something you see regularly. 

The company carries out a wildlife risk assessment from the ground, but if they suspect there may be a nest inside a tree, they will do a more thorough check.

Mr Boyce made the decision to leave the tree intact, leaving the barn owl chicks undisturbed.