COO, fancy that! Pigeon fanciers from all over Britain flocked together in Blackpool at the weekend for the British Homing World Show.

And the generous birdmen and women donated thousands of pounds to local charities.

The show, in its 26th year, took place at the Winter Gardens at the weekend. Almost 3,000 birds were on show in 33 different classes, all competing to win the Supreme Champion title.

Around 30,000 people attended the event -- regarded as the top event of its kind in the country.

Representatives of the show presented cheques to a number of charities, including £10,000 to Help the Aged, £5,000 to British Heart Foundation and £500 to St John Ambulance.