LEIGH pigeon enthusiasts have helped raise £2,500 for Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Jimmy Dickens and his wife Susan of Leigh, along with David Armstrong and his wife Emma from Golborne organised a charity auction of 41 pigeons which was backed by Amtrak Express Parcels.

They were among enthusiasts from across the UK who answered an appeal from Tom Howarth a rose nursery owner from Northwich. He wanted birds to auction in aid of the hospital were his tiny grand-daughter, Lucy, is being treated for a serious heart condition.

The money raised from the event went to the hospital's Ronald McDonald House which offers accommodation to the families of long-stay young patients.

Lucy's parents stayed there after she was born in March with a serious heart defect.

Tom said: "We could afford to pay for them to stay there, but some parents do not have the money."

Amtrak Express supported the fund-raising by transporting pigeons free of charge with its unique Homing Express service.

Amtrak's Sales Director, Martin Davidian added: "We are happy to have been able to help such a worthwhile cause and are pleased that the money raised will help the families of sick children such as Lucy."