BILLY FISH IS A MISS; Stadium flood mascot sex shocker.

Byline: JEREMY ARMSTRONG

BILLY the Fish, the goldfish swept from its home by floods and washed up in a soccer ground, was yesterday found to be a girl called Judy.

Staff at Carlisle United christened the stray after the half-man, half-fish goalie in comic Viz when it was discovered on the pitch during flooding in the city.

But yesterday it became clear HE was a SHE when owner Ashleigh Turk, four, recognised Judy, who has a black spot on her tail, from publicity. Ashleigh's mum Jenny Elliott, 25, said: "It's incredible. We couldn't believe it was her but the black spot confirmed it. Ashleigh was really pleased. As soon as she saw her she said 'That's Judy'."

Jenny's home 500 yards from Conference club Carlisle's Brunton Park ground was swimming in eight feet of water after the floods 11 days ago. She added: "There was nothing we could do to save Judy. We just hoped she'd been washed towards the river and was swimming away happily to a new life."

Judy was found by club chairman Fred Story's daughter Emma, 23, as she helped in the clean up.

"Billy" was made unofficial mascot and, some say, inspired the club to a 3-1 FA Trophy win over Redditch on Sunday after a run of poor form. Jenny and boyfriend Mike Turk, 28 - both Carlisle fans - say she can remain as a lucky charm if the club buy Ashleigh a new fish and bowl.

Emma said: "It's really nice of them. Billy's now a bit of a mascot."

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FISH THAT WANDERED: Owner Ashleigh, four, is reunited with pet Judy; SUPER TAIL: Our 'Billy' story