Cheese rolling :

HUNDREDS of people refused to allow the rain to dampen their spirits at the annual Stilton cheese rolling competition.

And as 30 teams competed to be the quickest to roll the 12 inches wide cheeses along a course, a legal challenge was announced to overturn a Euro ban on making the cheese in Stilton itself.

Currently a European Union directive gives the famous delicacy a Protected Designation of Origin, which restricts its production to Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire.

But local historian Richard Landy hopes to overturn the ban after unearthing what he claims is ‘indisputable evidence’ the cheese was originally made in Stilton and he has the backing of Shailesh Vara, MP for North West Cambridgeshire.

He said: “Stilton cheese is the only PDO product which can’t be made in the place from which it takes its name, which is absurd.”

Mr Vara said: “Stilton cheese is worth about £100 million a year and I for one would like some of that money to come here to our locality.”

The annual bank holiday festival also featured fairground rides, stalls selling a variety of goodies and more. Entertainment included music, a magician and X-factor finalist Nicole Lawrence. And about 30 teams competed for the coveted prize cheese rolling champions.

The children’s event was won by the Speedos with Spicy Angles taking the ladies’ title and the men’s by Cheesey Rollers.

The event was compered by actor Raymond Griffiths, Adam Vickers from band Leon and Paralympian Matt Skelhon.

it’s child’s play: The Union Jacks make their way along the course (above) and, inset, eventual children’s event winners The Speedos and compere actor Ray Griffiths.

braving the conditions: The Feta Compli team.