Fowl-up on the runway

Design Council chief executive Andrew Summers recently enjoyed the perks of the job when he was invited to a design industry soiree in Malta as the guest of honour.

But some unexpected luggage on the flight nearly put paid to his jet-setting. Four live chickens were found aboard the Boeing 737 as it taxied towards the runway.

Having evaded BAA security, the birds, which were found in an overhead locker, delayed the plane by 90 minutes.The birds were not mentioned again, but passengers were surprised to find chicken on the in-flight menu.