One hundred-and-thirty pigeons were let off from Rome on Friday morning on a 700-kilometre race that has not taken place since 1985 because of the long distance.

Federation of Pigeon Racing Clubs organiser Mark Farrugia said that when this race was first held just two of the 200 pigeons let off returned to Malta.

This had disheartened pigeon fanciers but Mr Farrugia felt it was now time to revive the race and members from 23 different pigeons clubs sent their birds to Rome to take part.

By yesterday morning nine pigeons had returned to their lofts and pigeon fanciers were anxiously awaiting the return of the remaining birds.