THIS WEEK IN 1998: Priest in rooftop drama with pigeons

When Rev Andy Anderson went to the rescue of two of God's creatures, his reward was not great.

He became stuck on the top of a roof in Southsea and was rescued by the fire brigade.

A pair of pigeons had become stuck in a gully at the edge of a rooftop garden in Western Parade and could not extend their wings to fly away. But Mr Anderson spotted the pair and went to their rescue.

At the time, he said: '˜I'm no great animal lover but I thought I couldn't leave them there and die.'

Mr Anderson, from North End, manoeuvred down a steep slope on the rooftop, rescued the birds and then realised he was stuck.

'˜It was quite embarrassing that we had to call the fire brigade,' said Andrew, '˜they were quite impressed I managed to get down there in the first place.'