Pigeon lovers flocked to Blackpool this weekend for a show that looked as though it may never happen.

Thousand of visitors showed off hundreds of birds at the British Homing World Show of the Year at the Winter Gardens.

There had been doubts towards the end of last year as to whether the festival -- arguably Blackpool's biggest winter event -- would go ahead at all after Government scientists order a ban on bird shows to prevent the spread of bird flu.

However, lobbying from the pigeon fraternity won the day and the Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs, was persuaded that pigeons present a limited risk of spreading the disease and the show went ahead.

As well as seeing some of the finest racing pigeons in the country, the 15,000 or so who visited the Winter Gardens were also spreading cheer to a major national charity.

Fylde-based funnyman, Frank Carson, was on hand to receive a cheque for £13,425 from the show's organisers on behalf of Help the Aged's SeniorMobility campaign.

That brings the total charitable donation from the pigeon show to more than £250,000.

Brian Mead, President of the British Homing World Show of the Year said: "The SeniorMobility Campaign from Help the Aged is able to make a real difference to the quality of life of so many older people in rural and urban communities.

"We are delighted once again to be supporting this initiative in its vital work with older people."