The number of pigeon fanciers has dropped over the years

There are fears that one of the north-east England's traditional sports could be on its last legs - or wings.

Pigeon racing is said to be in a tail spin, because young people are not taking up one of the North East's traditional pastimes.

The Upnorth Combine group of pigeon owners is conducting a survey to find out how serious this decline is.

The Combine still has more than 10,000 members but believes numbers are falling by 2% every year.

One reason why young people are not getting involved may be the increase in expenses - including travel costs, race costs, vets bills, and payment for virus treatments.

Commitment needed

Peter Bryant, the general manager of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association said there were many reasons for the decline.

He said: "The majority of our members are pensioners, certainly they are 55-plus, and regretfully they are passing on.

"We are not getting the youngsters coming through - we are suffering from what I call the Sony Playstation and David Beckham syndrome.

"Keeping racing pigeons is a 365-day commitment, and I am not sure today's kids want to put in that commitment."