Walking over Ouse Bridge the other day I noticed a small pigeon with its two legs bound together with human hair. As I reached out to catch it it fluttered away but then returned and finally allowed me to pick it up, showing no sign of fear or distress.

As I was trying to untangle the hair a mother and daughter (from Lancaster ) came to my aid. The mother purchased a pair of scissors. We carefully unravelled the hair (some cut deep into the legs). Releasing the bird I felt really pleased with our efforts: a small kindness to a friendly little bird. It reminded me of Androcles and how he removed the thorn from the lion's paw.

D M Deamer, Penleys Grove Street, Monkgate, York