PUPILS at Hollybank Special School in Mirfield have made a new friend, a young racing pigeon named Hotshot Holly.

The bird is a gift from the North-East region of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA), and will begin training in mid-June for her first competitive race in August.

Hotshot Holly comes from the Pontefract lofts of Chris Gordon, widely regarded as one of the UK’s top fliers and a leading breeder who has provided birds for Her Majesty the Queen.

Julie Shaw, Hollybank’s head of fundraising, said: “Holly presents the children at Hollybank, who all have severe disabilities and complex needs, with the opportunity to interact with nature in a positive and life-affirming way, and when she receives her ring number they will be able to follow her training programme online.

“The generosity of the RPRA has been incredible, and we are very fortunate to have this support.”