THERE were strutting cockerels, beautiful bantams and even a few debonnaire ducks.

But one thing that they all had in common was that they they were fit, and feathered, to impress.

A vast array of exhibits was on show on Sunday as the Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Poultry Club staged the Stanley Brown Memorial Show at its HQ: the Grange Farm Centre at Barsham.Mr Brown was a lifetime member and former president of the club, his speciality being old English game birds.

He gave a lifetime commitment to breeding and showing and gained lots of enjoyment from his hobby.

Mr Brown passed on that enthusiasm to many current members of the club, including his daughter June, who presented the prizes at Sunday's event, and the variety and quality of the birds on display did credit to his efforts.

Dspite the cold, snowy conditions, there were more than 280 entries, including some 50 breeds of chicken. The wide spectrum of exhibitors ranged from experienced show veterans to first-time novices.

In the latter category was five-year-old Chaney Docwra, of Yarmouth, who was showing his shamo cockerel for the first time.

Also among the younger exhibitors were teenagers Ollie and Peter Felton, who were awarded first in the Best Junior section for their white call duck, while 16-year-old James Firth, from Bury St Edmunds, gained Best in Section title for his rare- breed nankin, Top Waterfowl for his grey call duck and earned Best in Show for his beautiful buff Orpington.

Club chairman Fay Shepherd's bird took first prize in the Best Miniature section, and treasurer Pauline Davy's old English game bird was Reserve Best in Show.

Club spokeswoman Janice Williams said: 'No matter whether you're new to showing or an experienced exhibitor, it's always a big boost when your bird gets an award and an even bigger boost if you make it to the championship row. It makes all the hard work worthwhile.'

Judges at the show were Lesley Webdale, with Phill Webdale acting as steward, and Tim Beila, with Nicola Beila as steward.

The club's next event is its Spring Show, on February 20.

Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth Poultry Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at the Grange Farm Centre, and a warm welcome is extended to anyone interested in keeping poultry. The next meeting will take place in January. For further information about showing poultry or for details about the club, contact Stuart Clark on 01263 577843 or 07876 031165.