One of Britain's rarest birds has been found wandering outside a supermarket in Devizes.

Shoppers got more than they bargained for when the disorientated young stone curlew was found outside Lidl.

Stone curlews are one of the UK's rarest breeding birds and their wary nature, camouflaged plumage and nocturnal habits mean they are rarely seen in their normal habitat - and it is incredibly rare to see one in a town.

A member of the public took the stray to a veterinary clinic after mistaking it for a young bird of prey.

The stone curlew was then passed to Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital at Newton Toney, which cared for the bird.

Marilyn Korkis, who runs the hospital, said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw it. It is such an unusual bird and a privilege to see it close up."

Having realised the bird was a stone curlew, Ms Korkis immediately called the RSPB for advice on where to release it.

Nick Tomalin, the local RSPB stone curlew officer, said: "Stone curlews are highly vulnerable to disturbance and are usually found in areas well away from roads and footpaths.

"This bird would have been just learning to fly, so it was essential that it was returned to a suitable location as soon as possible, to be with other stone curlews.

"Some birds are now gathering together in roosts before their migration to southern Spain or North Africa in autumn."

Mr Tomalin added: "We knew an ideal site to release the bird where the landowner has created some excellent stone curlew habitat.

"It is a traditional roost site so is a great home for this youngster."

Since it was returned to its rightful habitat, the young bird has been spotted by RSPB staff feeding in the area with other stone curlews.