IT may look like any other young pigeon, but the bird known as GB 02 V 02922 has left even the Queen in her wake.

As part of the golden jubilee celebrations, pigeon fanciers from all over the country had birds racing in the Royal Pigeon Racing One Loft Race.

Last Christmas, Thirsk North Road Invitation Flying Club decided to form a syndicate for the race.

And its efforts have paid off after finishing 29th position out of 957 original entries - leaving the Queen's bird way behind in 67th position.

Club members have been monitoring their bird's performance since it started undergoing rigorous training sessions last month.

The pigeon was bred by Francis Reynard of Norby estate, Thirsk, and was only hatched in February.

When it was just a few weeks old, it was taken to purpose-built lofts in Cheltenham. As part of the Ebor celebrations at York, the birds were brought 150 miles north and liberated on Wednesday lunchtime.

The winner collected prize money of £20,000. The Thirsk bird came in just 55 seconds behind it but its winnings totalled only £50.

* Anyone interested in learning more about racing pigeons is asked to contact the Royal Pigeon Racing Association on (01452) 713529 or visit the website www.pigeonracing.co.uk to find out details of their local club.