AN auction of birds raised £3,000 for a pigeon fancier who was left devastated by an arson attack.

Villagers at Bowburn and fellow fanciers rallied round after 74-year-old Jack Allison's racing cree, a shed and equipment were destroyed last month.

Forty-eight pigeons perished in the blaze at allotments in Lansdowne Crescent, causing up to £15,000 damage.

On Friday night, an auction of birds and a raffle was held at Crowtrees WMC.

Susan Teasdale, one of the organisers, said: "It was fabulous, the response was fantastic. We raised much more than we thought.

"With the sale, the raffle and donations, we got almost £3,000, which takes the total so far to £4,000 and we have been able to order a new loft.

"There was at least 200 people there from all over and there were people that Jacky didn't even know he knew. There were people who he had given a couple of birds to get them started years ago who remembered his kindness.

"The kids at the junior school have been brilliant and written him letters of encouragement and cards. It has meant a lot to him.''

Mr Allison, a former colliery blacksmith, who has been a fancier since 1956, still has birds, mostly retired from racing, in a stock loft.

Mrs Teasdale said they were awaiting specialist workers to remove the debris of the sheds, which contained asbestos, before starting work on a base for the new loft.

* A 16-year-old from Shotton has been arrested and charged with arson.