A Hampshire bird sanctuary has claimed a UK first with its latest new arrival - a black barn owl.

The extremely rare chick, called Sooty, was born with his sister, Sweep, who was the normal white colour.

Barn owls only very occasionally produce black offspring but they often die at a young age from neglect by the parents.

Bruce Berry, owner of the New Forest Owl Sanctuary in Ringwood, said: "I have never heard of any being hatched in the UK and we believe that this is a first for the country."

These black barn owls are very, very rare. Usually in the wild they don't survive.

Bruce Berry, owner of the New Forest Owl Sanctuary

On his arrival, Sooty was taken in by keepers who decided to hand-rear him so he would have the best possible chance of survival.

After four weeks he was re-introduced to his sister Sweep and the pair have become best friends.

Mr Berry said: "These black barn owls are very, very rare. Usually in the wild they don't survive.

"If they are the first born they will probably be OK but if they are third or fourth born they are neglected because of their colour.

"Quite unique"

"We knew he was different as soon as it hatched because his feet were black.

He added: "We wondered whether Sooty would change colour as he grew but he has just got darker and darker."

Sooty, now one foot high, and his sister were born to parents who were rescued and taken in by Mr Berry at his sanctuary.

Vincent Jones, director of The Barn Owl Centre in Gloucestershire, told BBC News Online: "This is quite unique. They are very lucky."

Barn owls - or tito alba in Latin - are also known as Rock Owls or Desert Owls.

They are one of the most widely spread land birds in the world.