A HOMELESS man and an injured pigeon have struck up a close friendship to form an unusual companionship.

The bird tugged at the heartstrings of Rich, who lives on the streets of Taunton, when he noticed it was unable to fly.

Rich took the little bird under his wings, so to speak, and has been feeding it titbits to get its strength up.

The pigeon, who he has named Hope, happily sits on his lap and only cowers when other people approach.

"We just seem to get on," said Rich.

"I'm not going to keep Hope forever. As soon as he can fly, I'm going to set him free into the big wild world out there.

"He's already started flapping his wings, so I think he'll be ready to leave soon.

"I'll have mixed feelings. We get on so well, but his place is flying free."

Somerset County Gazette: