THIS pigeon was given a wash and brush up at the RSPCA’s West Hatch wildlife centre after getting covered in cooking oil.

It was found looking sorry for itself in Ilfracombe harbour, in Devon.

Washing-up liquid and warm water was used to help remove the sticky oil from the bird’s feathers and he was given a number of baths after being admitted to the centre on September 17.

RSPCA veterinary nurse Natalie Stahl said: “This poor pigeon has really been through the wars.

"He was found in the water at Ilfracombe harbour covered in a thick layer of cooking oil from head to toe.

“Luckily apart from the thick coating on his feathers and appearing thin he seems quite well.

“After a few washes and some TLC he is now is eating and is bright so we are hoping that he is well on the road to recovery.

“He is looking much better and seems much happier now that he is cleaner.

“We are hoping he makes a full recovery so we can release him back into the wild in the coming weeks.”