PIGEON fanciers are in a flap over a ruling that could speed the decline of the traditional East Lancashire pastime.

A tax ruling has rubber-stamped the backyard based activity as a hobby and not a sport - meaning followers do not qualify for VAT rebates on club subscriptions enjoyed by sportsmen.

However, Mr Ken McDonald, North West Representative of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association and member of Rossendale's Waterfoot Flying Club, has vowed to fight the ruling all the way.

He said: "I will do everything in my power to keep the price of the sport as low as possible.

"Rest assured, there is no profit in pigeons except for the big studs. The Waterfoot Flying club doesn't actually pay VAT because the turnover is so small.

"But part of the £2 subscription we pay goes to the RPRA's headquarters, and is therefore subject to tax.

"We are facing a situation where old members are dying faster than we can attract younger people."

Nationally, the RPRA - whose patron is the Queen - is to meet next Friday to decide whether to appeal to the High Court or the European Court of Justice.

The VAT and Duties Tribunal in Bristol upheld Customs and Excise opposition to a rebate on March 11, in line with the Sports Council's guideline that sports must involve physical effort.

RPRA general manager Major Edward Camilleri, said: "They give this rebate to yoga, pool and even model aircraft flying.

"There is more physical activity in pigeon racing than yoga. As for pool, lifting the beer glass probably involves more physical effort than wielding the cue.".

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