Winner of Atherstone Ball Game announced as eagerly awaited event returns

A winner has been crowned following the eagerly awaited return of the annual Atherstone Ball Game.

The event, which takes place annually on Shrove Tuesday, honours a match played between Leicestershire and Warwickshire in 1199 in which the latter won and when teams used a bag of gold as a ball.

Now in its 824th year, the popular event celebrated its latest winner – Alex Young.

Shrove Tuesday Atherstone Ball Game 2024
Players take part in the 824th Atherstone Ball Game (Jacob King/PA)

Shrove Tuesday Atherstone Ball Game 2024
One man was seen enthusiastically kicking the ball (Jacob King/PA)

Shrove Tuesday Atherstone Ball Game 2024
Large crowds gathered for the event (Jacob King/PA)

Police were on hand to monitor the match and to keep the crowds under control.

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