BIRD fans from as far afield as Ireland, Wales and Staffordshire were flying high as an annual Gamecock Show in Ramsbottom got under way.

Eighty-two birds were exhibited by 18 breeders at the show, the 161st, held at the Old Dun Horse Hotel on New Year's Day.

The prize winners were: Barry Smithson from Haslingden - the Tom Randle Haworth Trophy; George Meekin, of Astley, for the Best Male Bird over 12 months; Mick Greenwood, of Leeds, for the Best Female Bird over 12 months; Jake Walford, of Ellesmere Port, for the Best Male Bird under 12 months, and Dewi Jones, of North Wales, for Best Female Bird under 12 months. Best Bird in Show was won by an entry from George Meekin.

Secretary of the Holcombe and Old English Gamefowl Trust Russell Taylor said: "Despite the numbers of visitors and entries being down on last year, it was a very successful show."