Pictures: Sedgefield ball game sees blood, sweat and pints

As many huddled on the village green in Sedgefield in anticipation, this year's village 'elder', Ruby Close, kicked off the game after putting the ball through the bull ring three times.

The game is organised every year by a secretive group of local residents and is kicked off by a village elder.

The game starts once the ball is put through the ring in the village centre three times and thrown in the air.

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After the game began, pandemonium hit the village green as residents tussled, kicked and wrestled in attempts to be the one to get control of the ball - which not only carries the opportunity for bragging rights, but more importantly, a free pint.

While many took part, others stood on the sides of the street to observe the entertaining physical game which had left a few bleeding - an accepted 'occupational hazard' from those who take part.

Some of these bystanders would be forced to scurry back, including the Echo's own reporter, as the ball flew from one end of the green to the other.

The Sedgefield Ball Game is believed to date back to the 13th century when St Edmund's Church was completed and the stonemason challenged the townsfolk to a celebratory game of football, a time when health and safety was not a priority.

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The game is played from 1pm - 4pm, but the ball goes missing in between when many of the players take a break in the many pubs in the village.

Upon arriving, residents told the Echo the game would be "mental" and was a bit more "like rugby" than football.

Pictures taken by the Echo's photographer captured the mayhem as those taking part bundled onto each other as they scrummed for the ball.

Onlookers were left amused as participants kicked and threw the object, which resembles a large cricket ball, while some competitors were left red-faced as the scuffle left them in a state of undress.

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Adding to this, nearby shops, businesses and houses had boarded up their windows in preparation for the ensuing chaos.

Meanwhile, less-pleased motorists were delayed as the scramble for the sphere momentarily spilled out onto the road.

Here are some of the pictures of the event below:

A cracking time was had (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)