SCORES of burly men and boys converged on Sedgefield's village green to celebrate a tradition shrouded in secrecy.

Sedgefield Ball Game has taken place every Shrove Tuesday for hundreds of years and today was no different.

The community gathered at 1pm for the ceremonial passing of the small cricket-like, leather ball through the bull ring.

A near half-hour battle then commenced with young and old chasing, scuffling and muddying themselves simply for the chance to touch, kick, or throw the sacred ball.

From there the ball disappeared on a route known only to those who pursued it until it returned to the bull ring and was passed through at around 4.25pm by winner Daz Clemmet, of Sedgefield.

Organised by a so-called secret committee, 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.

Each year a 'village-elder' is chosen to start proceedings and this year the esteemed duty fell to Peter Robinson.

The 83-year-old, who was born and raised in the town, and whose family history in Sedgefield dates back at least to 1555, said it was a "great honour" to have been selected.

"Sedgefield has been my home since 1932," he added. "I attended the ball game as a kid and chased the ball - although I never got it - and I come out every year and will as long as I can. Today was absolutely marvellous."

Businesses battened down the hatches and boarded up windows in the event of the ball flying through.

But despite the riotous and rowdy nature of the game - and even one nasty head injury - there is a gentler side.

The every-man-for-himself spirit takes a turn in moments where fathers, brothers and friends pass the ball to children so they can have a chance to join in.

David Norman, 36, travelled from Durham with his son Henry, aged one, who was lucky enough to get his hands on the ball.

"We've been coming across for years and my best mate said if he got the ball he would give it to us," he said. "He (Henry) tried to kick it but nearly fell over so I threw it."

And former winner Stephen Whitfield, of Sedgefield, was there with his sons Harry and Jack who were eager to play their part.

"I won it in 2008 in memory of my father who died in 2007," he said. "It's pretty important to bring them here."

Share article Sgt Alex Clarke, of Sedgefield police, said the event had gone down "with no trouble", adding: "Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and there was a popular winner."

He said one man was injured at the beginning of the game and was taken to hospital but returned for its finish.