TRIBUTE will be paid to the men and animals who were killed during the First World War through a commemorative pigeon race.

On Saturday July 14 the Cumbrian Region of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association will hold a special race from Ypres in Belgium.

During the war thousands of pigeons were used across all theatres of the conflict, often the only way vitally important messages could be relayed to and from the battlefield.

When released the birds will make their way home to their individual lofts found across Cumbria.

Leslie Blacklock, secretary of the Cumbria Region for the Royal Pigeon Racing Association said: "The Ypres open race is a great opportunity for pigeon fanciers within the Cumbrian region to commemorate 100 years since the end of WWI. Pigeons played such vital role in both World Wars and it seems only natural to celebrate their bravery with this race."

While the pigeons will be able to make a swift journey home, the route back for their owners is not so easy. The journey by car is 444.5 miles and would take over 8 and a half hours - but the pigeons, travelling at speeds of close to 70mph and are estimated to complete the race within 5-6 hours.