Sunderland charity pigeon auction is quite a '˜coo'

The live auction, organised by David Middleton, will see more than 60 pigeons for sale in aid of The Children’s Foundation.

Mr Middleton, 31, from Derwent Close, in Seaham, decided to hold the auction at Wearmouth Colliery Workmen’s Club, in Thompson Road, Southwick, from 1pm on April 3.

Penning and viewing of the birds will take place from 11.30am to 12.45pm.

He hopes pigeon fanciers across the country will bring in a lot of money for the cause by bidding on the birds.

The forklift driver said he was inspired to fundraise for the charity by his friend’s efforts.

He said: “My friend does auctions of fishing equipment for the same charity, so I thought it would be an idea to try and help as well.

“The auction is open to other pigeon fanciers to raise funds for The Children’s Foundation and I just want to raise as much as possible.

“I have been a pigeon fancier for 11 years and I enter them into races every year.

“The pigeons are taken away by a special transporter and then get let off depending on the race position.

“Me and my dad would train them by taking them away in the car down to Middlesbrough and let them fly twice a day, to get up to racing fitness in a month.”

The pigeons up for sale are a variety of breeds and have been donated by pigeon fanciers from across the country, including fanciers Paul Stobbs and Albert Woodroffe.

Bids start at £30 and funds will go to the charity which aims to give children in the region the best health support.