LUCKY the super pigeon has been selected to represent Britain in the sport's 'World Championships' this weekend.

The Oxenhope bird is taking part in pigeon racing's 'Miss World' at Blackpool this weekend and had been pampered throughout the week to make sure she looked her best.

Owner Brian Holland, has beaten thousands of other pigeon racers from throughout the country to a covetted place on the GB team for the 16th Olympiad, and international event which is held every two years.

This time it is being held as part of the British Homing World 'Show of the Year' in Blackpool. To qualify Lucky had to have flown at least 1,600 miles over the last two years and been in the top 20 per cent in her races.

The bird then had to pass through qualifying shows when she was judged on her good looks.

"Everything from the shape of her head, wings and body to the quality of her feathers is judged and marks awarded," Brian said.

This weekend she will be judged again, but this time will be up against top birds from around the world, with most European nations taking part alongside South Africa, Taiwan, and South American nations. Lucky is part of the British 5-bird 'hens' team.

Earlier this week she was taken out of her regular spot in the pigeon loft and the pampering started. She was given a bath and special meals of seeds which are high in oils to bring out the sheen on her feathers.

Her luxury cage was also placed close to warm radiators to encourage the development of a 'bloom' on Lucky's feathers.

But she is more than just a good looking bird, Lucky is an ornithological athlete having won races from Dorset and France, and averaged almost 40mph in one 521-mile race from Niort in France.

n Lucky (right) got her name after coming close to being axed from Brian Holland's racing squad because she would not return to her place in the loft after training.

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