Two old friends and rival pigeon racers are preparing for the big race of the season. Set in the North East of England where Maurice's allotment is home to the world's only listed pigeon Cree, the ageing miners embark on what could be their last season together. Jackie and Maurice face the challenges of old age, ill health and a continuing battle with land developers as they prepare for the most prestigious race of the year, where their pigeons will fly five hundred and sixty miles from Bourges in France. The film follows the men's emotional journey as things don't work out quite as expected.