Pigeon racing began in Belgium in the 1800s and is the sport of releasing specially trained homing pigeons who then return to their loft, or home, over a measured distance.

Peter Farrow, the Royal loft manager gave the group a tour of the immaculate loft explaining the intricacies of how it is cleaned as well as the process used to allow the pigeons in after a race.

BALLYMENA could soon see a return to the days of pigeon lofts sited on public allotments.