PIGS might not fly, not even in Ireland. But they're racing them there - to be sure, to be sure!

And a Tyldesley company is inviting the brothers Malone and all to the world's first pig race being staged next month in County Tyrone.

Nite Out Promotions, of Sale Lane, is stimulating interest in the world's first charity pig race being staged on April 24 and 25 at the Irish Bash at Fintona.

The Tyldesley firm are seeking sponsors for the 140 yards event which will raise funds for Alzheimer's Disease sufferers and a premature baby unit.

Nite Out's Keith Bowen (pictured with a piglet) told The Journal the pig racing would be filmed and his company - the UK's biggest producer of race night footage - will be adding pig race fun to its extensive dog and horse race selection.

He said:"I'm excited about it. People think pigs don't race, but I can assure you they do.

"They like it and are trained to race from an early age, learning to run down a straight course out of starting stalls and jumping over fences.

"The animals are well cared for and treated with great respect."

Keith expects the race fans will squeal with delight when the eight strong field trot out for the off with cardboard cutout jockeys on their backs.

Meanwhile Keith has been checking-out the porkers at Hawkhurst Farm in Glazebury.

Farmers John and Joan Patrick selected a prime specimen so he could keep an eye on form.

Mrs Patrick revealed:"I did think of training a piglet. It is possible to train pigs, provided you start when they are very young. Like dogs, they soon learn."

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