It's not a particularly scenic spot and the views aren't great but a pair of pigeons have got their foot on the property ladder in Gorleston.In fact it's more of a shared ownership scheme with Michael and Karin Nicholas of Wadham Road who returned from holiday to find the pair had moved in.

It's not a particularly scenic spot and the views aren't great but a pair of pigeons have got their foot on the property ladder in Gorleston.

In fact it's more of a shared ownership scheme with Michael and Karin Nicholas of Wadham Road who returned from holiday to find the pair had moved in.

And it's not as if there is a poor supply of suitable housing in the area, said Mr Nicholas whose beautiful blossom-covered tree had been totally overlooked by the house-hunters who prefer to raise their brood in a busy alleyway.

“We have lived here 23 years and never seen anything like this,” said Mr Nicholas, a retired oil-rig worker.

The 66-year-old father of two who enjoys feeding the birds and attracting all sorts to his garden said he was surprised to find the pigeons had settled in the spot and appeared unruffled by the comings and goings in the passageway.

“I just bend down a bit and say 'You are alright there my darling,' as I go past,” Mr Nicholas said, adding that the female spent most of her time on the nest while the male flitted about collecting more twigs and constantly working to improve the new-build des-res.

Meanwhile Mr Nicholas who has named the birds after his beloved parents Rosie and Leslie is keeping a close eye and enjoying monitoring their progress. No eggs have been laid yet but he is hopeful some young will appear in due course.