FOR residents of Sedgefield in County Durham, Shrove Tuesday is not only the day before Lent or an excuse to indulge in pancakes.

It is the date of a sporting tradition which dates back almost 1,000 years. At first glance, the Shrove Tuesday Ball Game appears like a brutal combination of football and rugby, with no rules and a playing field which encompasses the town and surrounding villages.

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However, if you watch the game in its entirety or speak to one of the locals it becomes obvious that this bizarre tradition is governed by century-old conventions and a deep sense of community spirit.

Today (Tuesday, February 17) proved no exception, with hundreds of residents gathering together for the spectacle.

Kenneth Moyle was given the honour of starting the game. It was an emotional moment for the 69-year-old who has been taking part in the competition all of his life.

Tradition requires the ball to be passed through the bull ring on the town green three times before play can begin and Mr Moyle dedicated each turn to his friends Billy Dodds, Tommy Johnson and Ian Spring who died last year.

"I called out each of their names as I did it," he said. "I feel emotional talking about it now. I think the ball game is brilliant.

"It brings the community together and there is a real sense of camaraderie."

This was evident among the players today (Tuesday, February 17), with big burly men stepping aside to allow toddlers a kick of the ball, while large crowds cheered for their favourites.

However, not everyone shares Mr Moyle’s view. The game has attracted criticism in the past for being violent and causing damage to shops and houses. The boarded up windows in the High Street are testament of the precautions shopkeepers now take on ball game day.

Dismissing the criticisms, Mr Moyle said: "We try to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible and we all chip in for any breakages out of the kitty."

This year, the game, which is thought to date back to 1256, played out without incident but two ambulances were called to help a spectator who drank too much alcohol.

Yet, judging from some of the tackles and falls the players sustained, there are likely to be a few aches and pains tomorrow morning (Wednesday, February 18).

Many will be a result of the massive rugby scrum which brings the game to a close. After 10 minutes of pushing and shoving at the bull ring, James Archer, 22, was crowned the winner.

He dedicated his victory to his one-month-old son, Joey, adding: “I feel brilliant. It was tough down by the beck but my friends and family were there cheering me on.”