Cheese race winner in a real pickle over prize

THE WINNER of a daredevil race chasing 8lb of Double Gloucester down a hill at high speed does not even like cheese.

Josh Shepherd ran down Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire like a rocket when he took part in the worldfamous event.

The 19-year-old, from Brockworth, Gloucester, said: “I’ve run quite a few times before but it is the first time I’ve won.

“I had to put all my effort in to get in front of everyone. I’m really happy.

“My tactic was to stay on my feet and go as fast as I can and roll with the flow.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do with the cheese. I don’t really like cheese unless it’s melted, cheese on toast maybe.”

Rebel cheese rollers staged their own unofficial event after health and safety fears caused the official competition to be cancelled in 2010.

An 8lb round piece of Double Gloucester is chased 200 yards down the hill at Brockworth.

Long-time cheese-maker Diana Smart, 87, who has produced cheese for the event for more than 25 years, has once again provided the wheels for this year’s event.

In total, four cheeses are used at the competition.

The unusual race has been celebrated for centuries and is thought to have its roots in a heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring.

The official event was cancelled after more than 15,000 people turned up as spectators to watch the 2009 competition.

Since then it has been held unofficially with the police keeping a watchful eye.

PA. Ladies winner Lucy Townsend and Josh Shepherd.