THIS former market stall has flown into the hearts of many people in the area, which is why it has snatched The Mail’s Trader of the Week award.

The Owl Sanctuary focusses on the rescue and rehabilitation of owls, as well as offering bespoke, homemade items.

The shop also offers a unique service of visiting schools, care homes, hospitals and other organisations with their owls.

One of the most unique features of this shop is the owls themselves that sit so peacefully in the shop you barely notice them at first glance.

Co-managers Paul Rose and Nicola Dawes look after the animals and rotate which owls come into the shop from the aviary and they are clearly devoted to their craft.

Paul, 67, and Nicola, 33, are happy to let people come to stroke the owls and feel their calming nature.

Nicola even takes her owls along to meet patients at Furness General Hospital suffering with alzheimer’s disease.

The pair previously owned a stall on Barrow market where they became a firm favourite among local shoppers. However, after two years, the duo decided to branch out into a shop.

Paul said: “We sell owl memorabilia, fluffy toys, anything to do with animals worldwide really.

“At the moment we are selling Australian animals toys where 50 per cent of the profit goes towards helping the animals in Australia who have suffered due to the recent bush fires.

“We work closely with owls and try to put the wild ones back into the wild, it is costly to do it, but it is worth it. Those that cannot go back to the wild due to mistreatment we look after.

“I got involved in this after I left work in the shipyard and was diagnosed with diabetes. Because I used to fly in the RAF reserves I see this as being the ground crew for the owls as others have for me in the past.

“I would say to people that they should come in to support us as we need to help these owls. Pop in and see what we do, and if you have any old photos of Barrow brings them along as we have a memory wall up currently.

“It is fantastic to be recognised for this award. I would like to say thank you to everyone who have supported us both past and present.

“The owls really do have a hoot with us!”

This is a well deserved Trader of the Week recipient, and if you believe that you know someone else who is equally as deserving then contact us with your nomination.

All nominations should be sent to george.lythgoe@newsquest.co.uk.