BIRD enthusiasts flocked to Ramsbottom for one of the area's longest established traditions this afternoon.

One of the more quirky events in the local calendar, Holcombe Old English Game Fowl Club’s gamecock show is held annually at the Royal British Legion Club in Central Street.

Bird breeders, ranging from those in their late teens to pensioners, showed off 71 birds, as visitors travelled from as far as Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire to attend.

Six top prizes were handed out to competitors, with Michael Durkin walking away with the Mary Shaw Prize for the best bird in show.

The event, now in its 174th year, has its origins in the ancient tradition of cock fighting.

The practice was made illegal in England back in 1835, eight years before the first poultry show was held in Holcombe.

But, enthusiasts have kept the event alive by meeting to trade birds and judge them on their fitness to fight on New Years Day.

Russell Taylor, honorary secretary of the Holcombe Old English Gamefowl Club, said: “The number of birds is slightly down this year, but we have the same number of exhibitors.

“Most of them have been here before. It is a long-standing tradition in the village to come to the show on New Year’s Day.”

After judging had taken place, the show was opened to the public at 1pm before the prizes were distributed later in the afternoon.

So what are the experts looking for to decide who comes out top of the pecking order?

Mr Taylor explained: “Judges look for things that would make it a good fighter; its feathers, shape, and whether it has good balance.

“These animals are a rare breed these days, but they are the nearest thing we have to our national fowl.

“It would be a shame to see this tradition die.”

The results were as follows:

Cock Class for the Oxford Centenary Cup:

1st, Mr Michael Durkin; 2nd, Mr Hugh McDermott; 3rd, Mr Todd Fletcher

Hen Class for the Sam Jackson Cup:

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

Stag Class for the Millie Whittaker Rosebowl:

1st, Mr Todd Fletcher; 2nd, Mr Nicholas Pendleton-McGraw; 3rd, Mr Michael Durkin.

Pullet Class for the Harold Haworth Cup:

1st, Mr Todd Fletcher; 2nd, Mr Dick Brearey; 3rd, Mr Frank De Castro

Local Class for the Tom Randle Haworth Trophy:

1st, Mr Josh Bellard, Rishton; 2nd, Mr Colin F Haworth, Edenfield; 3rd, Mrs Sophia Taylor, Bury.

The Mary Shaw Cup for the prestigious prize of best bird in show was won by Mr Michael Durkin