GLOBE-TROTTING pigs were flying sky high when they appeared in a TV show on Sunday.

Clips of racing porkers were sent into Sky One's Kirsty's Home Videos -- a You've Been Framed-style collection of comedy videos -- by Tyldesley businessman Keith Bowen and featured in Sunday's show.

Keith runs Sale Lane-based Nite Out Promotions -- the UK's biggest producer of race night footage -- who have provided videos for pubs, holiday resorts, business events and private parties for the last 18 years.

When punters became 'boared' with traditional racing greyhounds and horses Keith decided to experiment with the extraordinary. Now, four years on, boasts pig racing videos are popular among his vast collection.

Bit of fun

He said: "It's just a bit of fun. Pontins first approached me wanting something suitable for family viewing, we eventually came up with pig racing and set up a race in Omagh in Ireland. We filmed the footage for our videos and at the same time it was broadcast live on the Gerry Kelly show.

"It makes a change from the usual horse and dog racing, it aims to get people together for a bit of fun."

When the flag goes up eight pigs, complete with jockeys -- small dolls tied onto the animals' backs -- run from stalls, jump fences and squeal round a 100 metre oval track, cheered on by eager fans.

Although bizarre Keith insists pig racing isn't cruel and has had everything okayed by the Irish equivalent of the RSPCA.

Keith explained: "Pigs are natural racers. They like it and are trained to race from an early age, learning to run down a straight course out of starting stalls and jumping over fences. They get a good meal at the end which helps!"

Anyone interested in hiring a video can contact Keith on 0161 703 7377.