Cup coo!

Photo: Pictures by DARREN ROBINSON

FLYING high: Sam Whitworth with his cup.

AFTER a 52-year wait, Sam Whitworth has finally achieved his flight of fancy.

OIdham pigeon fancier Sam (76) is in a flap after clinching what is believed to be the largest sporting trophy in the world - the 3ft high silver Lancashire Combine Cup.

But it is poignant for Sam because the bird that flew him to victory — first home in a 503-mile race from Niort, in France — was named after his beloved late wife, who died in 2012.

Jean always shared Sam’s passion to win the trophy and gold medal that goes with it, so it was an emotional achievement when Jean Gold arrived back on his perch.

“Since my wife died I’ve thrown myself into looking after the pigeons,” said Sam. “I just can’t believe after all these years of trying that it’s finally happened.

“Not only was Jean Gold first in a time two hours quicker than I expected, but my other pigeons were third, fifth, seventh and ninth. I also won the Three County Combine and the North-West Championship.

“You can go all your life without winning; only one man has won it twice since it began in 1931.

“The trophy is huge! It’s so big it’s nicknamed Dusty Bin! I got a standing ovation at the presentation, which was incredible. I know Jean always wanted me to win the gold medal. I’ve done it for her.”

Jean Gold’s reward for winning was to be back with his mate - following a pre-race ban on heavy pecking!