UK's return to professional sport gets off to flying start in Kettering

Kettering's Wicksteed Park has been added to the venues of famous sporting firsts - after it hosted the country's post-lockdown return to professional sport this morning (Monday).

At 9.30am the Barnsley Federation of Racing Pigeons 'liberated' 4,465 racing birds into the skies above Northamptonshire.

As the government gave the green light for sport up and down the country to resume, the pigeon fanciers of Barnsley seized their opportunity to get back to their chosen pastime.

It is expected that the birds will take around two hours to return to their owners 90 miles away - averaging 45 mph due to the north-east headwind.

John Greenshield, race controller for the Barnsley Federation of Racing Pigeons, said: "The release went well and a lot of people came to watch so I'm told.

"Our owners are ex-miners and have been shielding because of their bad lungs. It would have sent them crazy to not race.

"We didn't realise we were able to race until two weeks ago so we haven't had long to prepare and get them fit, but the cream will come to the top."

Mr Greenshield, 72, has 35 birds in the race.

He added: "It's been a breath of fresh air for us. The people have been suffering, it's been getting them down.

"It's a perfect day. I'm just waiting for them to return."

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