FAMILIES are invited to meet the latest addition to Billericay’s Imperial Bird of Prey Academy.

Five-week-old Snowflake, affectionately known as “the Flake” has already proved a big hit with the public, staff, and volunteers.

Once the female snowy owl is fully trained she will be used as part of the winter show at the centre, in Barleylands Road, as the temperature will be ideal for her.

Snowy owls are native to arctic regions in North America and Eurasia, although one was spotted in Essex in 2014.

While most people believe all owls to be nocturnal, snowy owls hunt in the day as the sun will not set for six months in the Arctic.

Nigel King, owner of the Imperial Bird of Prey Academy, said. “It’s very exciting. We have used her as a finale to our shows. The public really love to see her up close and she will be ideal for our winter shows.”