AN historic and long-established tradition held on New Year’s Day again proved high in the pecking order.

Holcombe Old English Game Fowl Club staged its 170th annual gamecock show in Ramsbottom.

A total of 16 exhibitors showed 64 birds at the popular event staged at the Royal British Legion club in Central Street.

Club honorary secretary Mr Russell Taylor said: “While the number of birds entered was lower than last year it was still a successful show, with many local people visiting to support a tradition which has been upheld since 1843.”

Visitors travelled from as far as Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Stafford-shire Durham, Sunder-land and Bedfordshire as well as from many parts of Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

The judge was Mr Cliff Stone from Yorkshire.

Results were as follows:

Cock Class for the Oxford Centenary Cup:

1st, Mr Eamon Fletcher, Chesterfield; 2nd, Mr Todd Fletcher, Chesterfield; 3rd, Mr Todd Fletcher, Chesterfield.

Hen Class for the Sam Jackson Cup:

1st, Mr Todd Fletcher, Chesterfield; 2nd, Mr Michael Durkin, Hoghton; 3rd, Mr Michael Durkin, Hoghton.

Stag Class for the Millie Whittaker Rosebowl:

1st, Mr Eamon Fletcher, Chesterfield; 2nd, Mr Michael Durkin, Hoghton; 3rd, Ms Launa Young, Durham.

Pullet Class for the Harold Haworth Cup:

1st, Mr Todd Fletcher, Chesterfield; 2nd, Mr Frank De Castro, Bardney; 3rd, Mr Todd Fletcher, Chesterfield

Local Class for the Tom Randle Haworth Trophy:

1st, Miss Sophia Taylor, Bury; 2nd, Mr Colin F Haworth, Haslingden; 3rd, Mrs Lesley Taylor, Bury.

The Mary Shaw Cup for the prestigious prize of best bird in show was won by Mr Eamon Fletcher, with the winner of the Stag class.