THe spectre of bird flu reaching British shores influenced the agenda at Oxenhope Homing Society's annual prizegiving.

The event, held at Branshaw Golf Club, marked the 60th year of racing for the club.

President Ken Ambler spoke of the members' concerns as to the difficulties which may arise from a bird flu outbreak.

Racing from France has already been stopped and the French authorities have already banned racing full stop for the time being.

Should avian flu be confirmed in this country, exclusion zones in which no movement of birds will be allowed, will be put in place.

At present there are no restrictions in effect and no known incidents of pigeons being affected anywhere.

Meanwhile, the Royal Pigeon Racing Association has also reacted angrily to claims in the press about the risk of racing pigeons spreading the disease should an outbreak occur.

They have hit back at claims from Dr Bob McCracken, the former president of the British Veterinary Association after he said all free-range hens, geese and ducks should be brought under cover along with pigeons.

However, the RPRA claims his comments fly in the face of evidence elsewhere stating pigeons should be deemed as low-risk carriers of the disease.

Australian aviary expert Dr Colin Walker, said: "Pigeons can catch avian flu but tend to be a rather resistant species so that if they do become infected the symptoms are fairly mild.

"They quickly recover and the carrier state does not apply.

Peter Bryant, general manager at the RPRA, said: "We are fed up with the ill-informed commentary and prejudice concerning racing pigeons.

"We have been working closely with DEFRA to ensure that racing, showing and sales of pigeons can continue.

"This decision was based on the significant research available in the public domain.

"Our members will follow the general licence conditions imposed by DEFRA. Contingencies are in hand should an outbreak of bird flu be confirmed in Britain and Britain's fanciers will act accordingly and appropriately.

Former England football captain, and avid pigeon fancier Gerry Francis has also weighed into the debate.

He said: "I'm a responsible father of three children.

"I would certainly not put my children at risk. If you study all the data regarding bird flu at present, pigeons would be the one bird you would be happy to keep.

"There is no reason at all for them to be locked up."