A Stone youngster was left devastated after losing his pet barn owl, Moses, during Storm Barney.
13-year-old Kye Austen's bird flew the nest after his aviary in Birch Place, was destroyed during high winds.
Moses went missing at approximately 1am on November 17 after the storm smashed the bird's home.
TOP STORIES: Kye’s mum Paula Smith, 49, said: "The cage is still open and we are still hopeful.
"We could hear him in the storm and we’re out until midnight every night calling but so far we’ve heard nothing.
"It’s heart breaking because he imprinted himself on me and my son."
Moses is more than just a bird to the family - Kye’s mum believes Moses helped her son escape his depression after he was bullied for his size.
Photo provided by Artisan Rare Breeds and Animal Rescue of a similar owl (c.) Wayne May
The Wilmington Academy pupil had been picked on at previous schools because of his 17.5 stone weight but bird-keeping gave the teenager the confidence to sidestep the abuse.
Gales of up to 85 mph were recorded in some parts of south east England on the day Moses escaped.
Residents are being urged to look in their back gardens and keep an eye out for the feathered friend until he is found.
Several volunteers searched Stone and the nearby spaces in the hope of recovering the four-month-old owl.
If you have spotted Moses please contact Artisan Rare Breeds and Animal Rescue through their website.
This barn owl is captive bred and wearing an approved closed ring.
The fence blew down smashing the aviary Moses was housed in
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