Last updated 16:56, Thursday, 03 July 2008

race birds from the four local homing clubs went to Rivenhall, a distance of 243 miles.

A delayed start with a 10am liberation and west south west wind made for a steady race with good returns.

In the Tyne Valley Homing Society race members sent 126 birds.

After a series of second places Stewart Ridgeway finally broke his duck, also taking second place.

Results: 1 and 2, S. Ridgeway 1353.2, 1340.8; 3, 6 and 8, B. Leech 1339.1, 1331.5, 1321.7; 4 and 5, J. Kennedy 1338.6, 1332.4; 7, Hepworth and Sons 1323.7.

Eight Tynedale Homing Society members sent 128 birds.

The winning pigeon, for the third time this season, was a yearling chequer hen raced by Acomb’s Tom Leadbitter.

Results: 1 and 2, T. Leadbitter 1318, 1309; 3, 4 and 7, P. Jackson 1304, 1303, 1292; 5, Dodds and Middleton 1301; 6, P. Scott 1293; 8, D. Bennet 1288.

In the Hexham Homing Society race Kent Springett, Ochrelands, put up a noteworthy performance taking first and second positions.

Result: 1 and 2, K. Springett 1284, 1252; 3, 4 and 8, Strong and Son 1241, 1232, 1198; 5, 6 and 7, W.A. and E. Armstrong 1219, 1206, 1200.