A worried passer-by phoned the RSPCA to report the stricken bird at St Michael's Church in Bath.

But when an inspector from the animal charity arrived to help, he found the owl had been dead for several years.

The figure was placed on the belfry by the owners of a nearby camera and binocular shop to give their customers something to test their products on.

Binocular test

Robin Gower, from Ace Optic, said: "We put the owl up there so our customers could have something appropriate to look at before they make a purchase.

"It also scares the pigeons away from the belfry of the church."

Janet Kipling, spokeswoman for the RSPCA, said: "A church official said the owl was stuffed and used by a camera shop.

"The inspector concluded it did not need rescuing."