A PENSIONER who was left devastated by the theft of 33 of his prized racing pigeons has appealed for help in tracing the thieves.

Gordon Stevenson, 68, said the birds, worth about £950, had been stolen from a cree at Woodside Gardens allotments, Sacriston, between 4.30pm on Tuesday, September 21, and 8am the following day.

Mr Stevenson, who was left with only three pigeons, said: "It must have been someone who was watching the allotments. I had two locks on the cree, but they used a crowbar to break both. They also stole four pigeon baskets."

He added: "I was devastated and was going to pack it in, but my wife encouraged me not too and friends have given me some more pigeons to keep me going. They will not be able to race the pigeons because they were ringed."

The thieves also stole a number of hens from two nearby owners on the same night. Anyone with information should call police on (0191) 388 4311.