Pigeon Fancying Stewart McCurry, of Walsoken, was too hot for the competition when he broke records by being the first fancier in Wisbech to win a national event.

After an excellent season at local level, winning countless prizes in both the Wisbech and District Flying Club, and the Fen Federation, Stewart put the icing on the cake by winning the Midland National Flying Club’s Portland Cup event.

His winning bird, Tom’s Girl, of the Busschaert x Soontjen bloodlines, led the field of 4,247 birds from all parts of the UK at a speed of 57mph over the 185-mile course to the Bucksholt racing lofts, in Walsoken.

Tom’s Girl, named after Stewart’s late father, won the Portland Cup and gold medal, and prize money of £1,200.