Whether the strikers survived on it is unclear, but the planters eventually caved in and Mr Bird's reputation took wing.

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Some unusual streaks on the right wing were thought to be bird droppings.

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The breast is in the middle with one leg and wing on either side, making a large flattened bird.

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The six-year-old pigeon was retired in 2009 after breaking a wing, but Kerry Mellonby from Bridlington kept the bird for breeding before deciding to sell.

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Wing strokes press the animal towards the ramp and help the bird stick to the surface rather than slipping over it.

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