Tragic circumstances did not prevent this hen from going down in the history books.

Take a look at this pigeon. It is Ron’s Dream, bred and raced by a former Dewhurst butcher.

Its achievements are legendary and you can find out why by reading next week’s Midweek Herald.

Editor Belinda Bennett charts the modern history of pigeon racing.

It’s a fascinating story, tinged with sadness but also lots of humour.

If only Derek Wilding was alive to read it. His binoculars would be off the skies and on our pages. No need to pace about on a certain roof!

Pigeon fanciers will understand...

Photo reproduced by kind permission of Joe Gamlen.