A SWALEDALE sculptor who has spent years creating characterful depictions of crows has his own feathered helper in his studio to inspire him.

Michael Kusz, who works from a studio on Silver Street in Reeth, says he has always felt an affinity with rooks, which featured in his ancestor’s coat of arms and much of his work. But now he works side by side by his own crow.

It is believed Joe the Crow was chucked out of his nest before he was ready to fledge.

His flying feathers were damaged and he was rescued by two boys, who took him home and kept him alive, looking after him in their bedroom. Because the bird was so young, he hadn’t been “imprinted” yet - when a young animal acquires many of its behavioural characteristics from its parent - and so began to mimic humans.

After five to six weeks - when the boys and their family could no longer look after the crow - the sculptor gave him a home to the inquisitive bird. He now spends his days in the studio with the artist sometimes resorting to mischief and flying off with materials or perching on his shoulder to watch him work.

The tame companion and his quirky behaviour proves quite a hit in the studio with visitors and Michael has also posted video of his crow rolling and playing in the snow in winter.