RACING pigeon Northern Echo has been tipped to wing its way to success following her first contest under her new name.

The blue hen was among more than 10,000 competitors to be released from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, in Saturday's race, which was held by the sport's West Durham Amalgamation (WDA).

Despite failing to be placed in the overall race, Northern Echo was the fifth pigeon, of 38, back into its loft at Cockfield, County Durham.

And Ronnie Matthews, father of the pigeon's owner, Peter Matthews, said he expected the bird to do well in the future, having only had two weeks out of her loft, while others in the race had enjoyed a month of training.

Northern Echo's breeding also showed as a related bird finished first of the 1,000-plus pigeons from the Cockfield and District Federation which took part.

"She wasn't too far behind the winning pigeons," said Ronnie Matthews, of the pigeon, which battled strong easterly winds in the 69-mile race, and was registered 2001CF1180.

"I know for a fact this pigeon will do well. Everything indicates the bird's going to do the trick. We think it's a very good pigeon.

"I think the pigeon's done exceptionally on Saturday, because it was a lot harder than we anticipated."

The Wakefield race is one in a build-up to two long distance national events, over longer distances, which are expected to suit Northern Echo better.

Peter Matthews allowed The Northern Echo to take the pick of his prime year-old hens, following a less than successful attempt by the paper to enter the sporting arena with Northern Echo the racehorse.