ORGANISERS of a famous Rossendale bird show are searching for a new home after a pub closed its doors.

The Old Dun Horse, in Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, was closed by owners Thwaites last week so the brewery can "focus on other pubs in the estate".

The inn had previously been the home of the renowned Ye Olde Gamecock Show, tradit-ionally held on New Year's Day.

The event showcases cocks from around the area and birds are judged by experts on their shape, fitness and build.

However, organisers are now having crisis talks with Thwaites in a bid to ensure the January 1, 2009, show does not get axed.

Show secretary Russell Taylor said he hoped to meet with bosses from the brewery in the next week to discuss options.

He added: "We are still looking at holding it but we are looking at an alternative venue for the show."

The Old Dun Horse is now closed until new tenants can be found but Thwaites has other options in Ramsbottom for holding the event.

The brewery also owns the Royal Oak Hotel, in Bridge Street, and the Rose and Crown, in Carr Street.

A Thwaites spokesman said the brewery was now working with organisers to find an alternative venue so the cock show could still go ahead.

The show, which regularly attracts up to 120 poultry exhibits, was established in 1843 after cock fighting had been banned.

However, the event was cancelled in December 2005 after fears over bird flu.