Shropshire pheasant shoot guns row is resolved

Up to 30 Americans have been spending up to £10,000 each and bringing their own guns to shoot pheasants and partridges at estates including Hatton Grange in Shropshire. Each event pumps about £200,000 into the local economy.

But a problem with bringing guns through Birmingham Airport saw John LaPenta, head of Country Sports and Travel LLC, which runs the VIP trips, threaten to scrap this year's events.

The visitors had planned to fly from Newark, New Jersey, to Birmingham Airport, but last month United Airlines said it had not received clearance from the Home Office to transport the weapons and would not allow the sportsmen's guns on its flights.

Now Mr LaPenta said the permit had finally been granted. "United Airlines have reversed their decision," he said. "They are again carrying firearms in checked baggage. We are a full go for this year.

"It is unfortunate that so much time had to go into an issue that should never have come up in the first place. I am very excited to return to the Midlands this year."

Mr LaPenta has run the holidays since 2001. The company boast on its website: "It's not just a driven bird shooting experience, it's not just a tour, it's the ultimate shooting party.

"This will be a true private shooting party, set to the highest standards, and is simply not offered elsewhere at any price."

The U-turn is a relief for businesses close to the country seats that will host the American sportsmen. In one day alone, the party splashed out £15,000 .

The Civil Aviation Authority said it allows unloaded sporting guns to be carried on planes, but the final decision rests with the airline.

United Airlines said current rules allowed it to accept one item of shooting equipment per customer as checked baggage.