Hundreds take part in Easter coal-carrying race

Hundreds of people have put their strength to the test in a quirky West Yorkshire Easter tradition.

The annual World Coal Carrying Championships in the village of Gawthorpe, near Ossett, saw 240 entrants haul sacks of coal across a distance of 3,320ft (about 1,000m). Men carried 7st 12lb (50kg) sacks of coal, with women racers shifting 3st 2lb (20kg) bags, from the Royal Oak pub to the village's Maypole Green.

Craig Heppenstall took part again this year and retained his over-40s world champion title.

"It feels like it gets heavier each year. When you put it on you're like, 'Why am I doing this?' And then you can really feel it on your legs," he said.

The race, which is held every Easter Monday, began as a bit of banter between men in a local pub. One of them was a coal merchant.

The event has grown in popularity since that pub talk challenge in 1963, with people from around the world taking part and crowds flocking to witness the uphill spectacle.

Heppenstall, who missed out by just one second on equalling the world record time of four minutes and 57 seconds for his category, said encouragement from spectators was crucial to making it to the finish line.

"It just keeps you propelling. They shout 'Come on, keep that momentum. You're nearly there', and it makes you want to see that finish line... The crowds cheer and shout your name, it's fantastic."

Race organiser Duncan Smith said: "It's been a brilliant day with fantastic weather, after three years when it's absolutely bucketed down with rain."

Places for the race this year sold out in just a few hours, with 165 children also taking part in fun runs as part of the event.

Spectator Yazmin Azad said it played a big part in bringing the community together.

"It's amazing. It's a tradition that's dated back so many years, and it just gets bigger and better every single year," she said.

"Everyone gets together, everyone's racing. It's an adrenaline rush and everyone loves it."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.