Residents of two North Lincolnshire villages have taken part in a centuries old game. The adjacent hamlets of Westwoodside and Haxey battle it out every year to win the Haxey Hood. The Hood is a leather tube, about one metre in length.
The male villagers push it about in a large scrum until it reaches one of the villages four pubs, where it remains on display until the following year.
The contest is held annually on the Twelfth Day of Christmas.The tradition is said to date back to the 14th century when a local noblewoman lost her silk hood whilst out riding in the village.
Local men chased the wind-blown hood across the fields before they caught and returned it.
So amused was the lady that she donated some of her land to the village on the condition that the chase for the hood was re-enacted each year.
The event starts at noon with a procession of 11 referees, know as Boggins. They are dressed in red hunting jackets and are under the leadership of the Chief Boggin. The Boggins are joined in the parade around the village by a Lord and a Fool; both dressed in traditional outfits.
The day starts with a game for children before the main event when the hood is thrown into the middle of the scrum, or sway, as it is known locally. The sway pushes through the village. Competitors are not allowed to throw the Hood, or run with it.
The contest can last for hours. Although the Boggins try and keep things safe, broken bones and other injuries can occur.
The contest can last for hours. Although the Boggins try and keep things safe, broken bones and other injuries can occur.
This year the event has added interest. One of the competitors is Kevin Janney who was was born and raised in Haxey, but married a woman from the rival village of Westwood. He is now pushing for his in-laws' team.
He and his family have travelled back from Spain especially to take part. Mr Janney said the event is still important to local people:"It's just the best day of the year really. People in the village they grow up and they will never let this tradition die. It's what it's all about. You get people come from far and wide come and have a push, but if you look in the middle of the sway it is all village lads."
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