GOLIATH the rooster is hardly a featherweight pet -- he weighes in at a whopping 20lb. The cockerel is a new feathered friend to youngsters at The Deane School.

He lives on the school farm, cared for by teacher Fred Tyldesley, who has managed the outdoor plot since the school opened 30 years ago.

But the road to his current comfortable state has been far from smooth.

Goliath was first seen wandering the streets of Westhoughton last December by ex-pupil Shaun Sykes. It was thought the cockerel, then only about 10 weeks old, had fallen from a crate on a lorry while being taken to a processing factory.

Mr Sykes, aged 35, from Great Lever, looked after the white-feathered bird on his allotment in Settle Street until nine weeks ago. But when Goliath began to annoy the neighbours with his crowing, it looked like his number was up a second time.

However, Mr Sykes remembered the farm at his old school, which also has cows and goats and helps pupils to learn about animals. Mr Sykes said: "I was gutted when I had to get rid of Goliath, but once he found his voice and because of his size, he had to go. I was chuffed that Fred could take care of him because it was my last resort."

Mr Tyldesley said: "Goliath is about the size of a turkey now. Even though he is quite docile, he does look a bit mean because of his size."

Goliath is proving a big hit with pupils who look in regularly to see how he is getting along. Mr Tyldesley said: "They were amazed when they first saw him. I don't think they've seen anything quite like him."