The Queen has donated three racing pigeons to a young offenders' institution to help them learn how to care for animals and to learn a new hobby to help keep the young offenders out of trouble.

The pigeons, including a breeding pair, now live in a loft at Wetherby Young Offender's Institution in West Yorkshire. Prison Officer Paul Hemmings has an interest in racing pigeons and after researching the sport wrote to the Queen to help them start a loft. Governor Will Styles explains that there is an 80% re-offending rate amongst the young males and giving them a hobby and interest is important to help them.

The pigeons have had a positive impact on the young males, expressing the kindness of the Queen and how they are learning to care for them and hopefully start to race them next year.

The original articles can be found here and here.