BRIAN Craven is a pigeon-fancier who does not name any of his flock.

Brian Craven

But one of his yearlings, Claire, spelled victory at last in the annual St Leonard's Hospice race organised by Trevor Simpson.

Craven's yearling, a Jansenn breed, was first home of the 260 entries in the 94-mile race from Leicester. And it ended a five-year barren run in the event for the Acomb Working-Men's Homing Society stalwart.

Said Craven, and Acomb WMHS member for 20 years: "I've entered the race in all five years and the closest I've had is a second place, until now."

The race raised £310, including the proceeds from a raffle and a sale of young birds, the latter organiser by Pete Milner, explained race co-ordinator Simpson.

That now takes the sum realised for St Leonard's by the annual event to more than £1,000.

Many private racers provided sponsorship as did the following firms: Stop Gap corner shop, Holgate Bridge newsagents, Wilton Rise Joinery, C and R Simpson (Builders), Thermabuild, Woodthorpe Butchers, Doric Game, Chestnut Food and Fruit Basket.

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