An annual cheese rolling contest in which contestants chase cheese down a steep hill has gone ahead despite officially being cancelled.

The event at Coopers Hill in Gloucestershire was called off on health and safety grounds after 15,000 people attended last year. Officials feared the event could not host so many people safely.

Despite the warnings, more than 100 people were believed have attended an unauthorised cheese-rolling event. More than 11,000 people have joined a campaign to bring back the event.

Meanwhile, up to 5,000 people were estimated to have turned up to watch annual Woolsack Races in Tetbury this year. The Woolsack Race involves running up a steep hill carrying heavy sacks.

Stephen Hirst, from the Woolsack Race committee, said: "It's a mediaeval tradition. Men carry 60lb (27kg) woolsacks, the ladies carry 40lb sacks (18kg)."  The course runs from The Crown in Gumstool Hill to the Royal Oak at the bottom of the hill, a distance of about 280 yards (256m).

I like cheese... but I also like the way my limbs are at the moment!

Bugger this! I'm off to Sainsburys!

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