EXOTIC pigeons and chickens should feature at Otley Show in May - despite fears of bird flu.

Organisers of the event are planning to include poultry and pigeons - despite being warned that classes might have to be cancelled at the last moment.

Show secretary Janet Raw said current advice was to go ahead as normal, but to be prepared if cases of bird flu were announced in Britain.

And she was hopeful that Britain would escape the deadly virus and that the ever popular poultry and fowl classes would go ahead as usual.

"We're still holding our breath, but are still planning for the classes to go ahead," said Mrs Raw.

Meanwhile, organisers of this year's show on Saturday, May 20, hope to match last year's record turnout with new and familiar attractions.

Numbers of cattle and sheep entered have been steadily increasing since the devastating foot and mouth epidemic and farmers are coming back to the event in their hundreds.

New show chairman Nicholas Houseman said he was looking forward to his first show as chairman.

Mr Houseman, a sheep, dairy and beef cattle farmer from Lindley, has been involved in the show for more than 30 years, while his grandmother won a trophy for her butter in the 1920s.

"I've been in farming all my life and my family has been involved in the show for generations.

"The show is a great institution for Otley and the countryside in general. We farmers are in a privileged position to be looking after the countryside and the show is our shop window," he said.

Mr Houseman added that farmers did well to have their animals in show condition so early in the year.

"It is difficult being the first show in the season and it shows how well farmers are doing to get their animals into show position so early."

As a sheep judge at previous shows, Mr Houseman had little time to experience the rest of the event.

"I'm looking forward to having to get out and see more of the show this year," he said.

Included in the event will be Farmer Ted and his Quad Bike, a mobile climbing wall and birds of prey.

There will also be a chainsaw demonstration, a tug o' war competition, farrier and vintage tractor competitions.

Cattle, sheep, horses and pygmy goat classes as well as rabbit classes and a dog show will give everyone something to look at. While hundreds of school children are expected to enter the junior classes.

Entry forms are available now from the Otley Show Office, Bridge Street, where people can also buy membership tickets. Entries, except for rabbits and dogs, need to be in by April 20.

l An appeal in the Wharfedale for colour pictures of Otley Show has resulted in a selection of slides being dropped off at the show office. Now, Mrs Raw would like to get in touch with the owner so they can be returned.

"We have had them put on a disc and should be able to use them on the website in due course," she said.