ENTHUSIASTS flocked to West Somerset last weekend for the annual Minehead Bird Show.

Species ranging from canaries to zebra and Bengalese finches were on show at the event, which was held in Alcombe Village Hall.

Staged by Minehead and District Birdkeepers, the show has been running for more than 60 years.

Assistant secretary Glenda Pegrum said although the organisation's membership was dwindling, local people always supported the event: "We have a lot of local visitors, which is great," she said.

A total of 220 birds were entered into the show and local honours included Mike Binding from Carhampton, who is also the club's secretary, who took the prize for the best foreign bird - a Gouldian finch - and the best Hoso canary.

Ms Pegrum won the best new colour canary, while the award for the best Border canary went to club chairman Vic Rich of Alcombe.

The title of best bird in show and best budgerigar was won by Mike Gore from Bridgwater.

Other results were: Best canary overall and best Fife canary, George Lock (Barnstaple); best lizard canary, Sue and Kurt Thuesinger (Tiverton); best Norwich canary, Dave Ganfield (Street); best zebra or Bengalese finch, Arthur Pipe (Yeovil); best canary of any other variety, Des Holley (Tiverton).