A lost racing pigeon rescued in East Lothian was found to have a well known owner - the Queen.

The Scottish SPCA was alerted by a member of the public when the grounded bird was spotted at Traprain Terrace in Haddington earlier this month.

After examining the bird's ring number, staff discovered it was a royal pigeon that belonged to the Queen. The bird has since been returned to the royal loft at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

Animal rescue officer Connie O'Neill said: "I've rescued many pigeons during my career with the Scottish SPCA but this was certainly a first for me.

"I was really excited when I found out it was one of the Queen's racing pigeons.

"We were able to identity where the pigeon had come from using the ring number on its leg and arrangements were made for it to be collected.

"The poor bird was exhausted and it was a cold, dark and windy night when it was found.

"Thankfully someone contacted us as it would have been very easy prey for a cat.

"It's quite common for racing pigeons to lose their way and become too tired to take off again. I'm really glad we were able to help in this instance."