Racing pigeons return after VE Day event in France

Racing pigeons that were released in Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day have arrived home.

More than 1,000 birds from across the west of England began flying back over the English Channel on Sunday.

Some of the winning pigeons were spotted arriving in Paulton, Somerset, five hours after leaving France.

Pigeons played a vital role in World War Two by delivering messages when radio communications were disrupted. Many were awarded the Dickin Medal for bravery.

The Paulton Homing Society in Somerset was one of many groups from across the UK which raced pigeons over the weekend.

The birds were taken by ferry from Portsmouth to Normandy, before flying 183 miles (294km) from the town of Vire back to their fanciers' homes in Somerset.

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