posted January 26, 2005 01:26 AM         

Fish lands job at football club

A pet fish, which was washed on to the pitch at Carlisle United as floodwaters swept through the city, has landed a job at the club.

Judy the goldfish, formerly named Billy following a gender mix-up, has been appointed club mascot at Brunton Park.

She was washed from the sideboard as torrential rainwater rushed through her owner's home.

A second, as yet un-named goldfish, was also found on the pitch and will share the mascot position with Judy.

Judy's owner, four-year-old Ashleigh Turk, has agreed to donate the goldfish to Carlisle United.

Ashleigh's mother, Jenny Elliot, who responded to an appeal from the club, confirmed she had positively identified Judy from a distinctive black mark on her tail.

The two fish were found by Emma Story, daughter of club owner Fred Story, who saved them from being stepped on as water was pumped from the pitch.

She said: "After being knocked off the sideboard, Judy was carried along with the floodwater to the bottom corner of the pitch where water was being pumped away.

"We managed to win the match against Redditch on Sunday, and the fans began to say the fish represented the fighting spirit of the club."