FOWL fanciers from all over the country will be in Ramsbottom on New Year's Day.

The occasion is the 159th annual Holcombe Old English Gamecock Show.

The society dates back more than the 159 years, some shows having missed because of the wars and other reasons, and is one of the few surviving in the country.

The event will be held as usual at the Old Dun Horse pub, in Ramsbottom, with exhibitors of rare and old breeds of birds expected from all over the country.

The show in 2001 attracted 101 birds entered by enthusiasts from as far away as Plymouth, Durham, Cumbria, Wales and Stoke.

There are open classes and prizes to be won for the best birds entered by local exhibitors.