A FASCINATING insight into the work of homing pigeons can be found at Methil Heritage Centre this week.

Homeward Bound looks at the hobby of pigeon racing in Fife and examines how the amazing birds can find their way home from thousands of miles away.

Pigeon racing was popular early in the 20th century, and although it isn’t as widespread as it once was, there are still many enthusiasts around.

One well known Kennoway pigeon fancier, Jim Hamilton, has raced the birds for most of his life and even provided pigeons for the government during the second world war.

The exhibition tells the story of one such pigeon named Winkie, who was based at RAF Leuchars during the conflict.

On February 23, 1942, the damaged Beaufort that Winkie was travelling on ditched suddenly while returning from a strike off the Norwegian coast.

She broke free from her cage and flew back to base 129 miles away, arriving wet and exhausted.

After assessing Winkie along with other circumstances, a sergeant was able to advise where to search for the plane and the crew were soon rescued.

As a result, she was the first pigeon to be awarded the Dickin Medal, which is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

The exhibition tells many other stories about brave pigeons used during the war.

The centre is open from Tuesday to Thursday, 11 am to 4.30 pm, and on Saturday from 1 pm to 4.30 pm.

The exhibition will run until Saturday, February 11.