Eight racing pigeons went under the hammer yesterday in an unusual auction, which raised Lm895 for charity.

The auction, held at the premises of the Sliema Racing Pigeon Club, was organised on the initiative of Richard Saliba, 32, and his six-year-old son Liam.

"I have always wanted to help those in need and since I don't have that much money to give, I figured I could raise some cash by selling my prize pigeons," Mr Saliba said.

Inspired by his generosity, the pigeon fanciers at the club also held an impromptu collection and raised a further Lm172, bringing the total to Lm1,067.

The money is being equally split between the Equal Partners Foundation and Charles and Tessie Abela, the parents of Maronia, a five-year-old girl who was born with a potentially complex heart problem and who requires a major operation in the UK.

The club in Mrabat Street, Sliema was packed to capacity by fanciers who went to bid for the eight pigeons, which have won 49 trophies and numerous awards between them.

Mr Saliba has been a pigeon enthusiast ever since he was 15-years-old, having been roped into the sport by his father who has been involved in pigeon racing for 35 years.

One pigeon raked in Lm160 and the others sold for sums ranging from Lm75-120.

In 2002, one of Mr Saliba's pigeons was auctioned for Lm604 with proceeds that year going to the Ursuline Crèche.

Club president Louis Borg hoped that the other pigeon clubs in Malta and Gozo would follow suit to raise money for a good cause by organising similar auctions.