Over a thousand turn out for annual Cheese Rolling

Chris Anderson (blue and white shirt) on his way to victory in the men's race. Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire/PA Images

The annual Cheese Rolling competition has been taking place on Cooper's Hill at Brockworth in Gloucester, watched by a crowd of well over a thousand people who braved the drizzle.

This year's cheese rolling began with a minute's applause for the victims of the Manchester bombing, followed by a rendition of Oasis's Don't Look Back in Anger.

The Cheese Rolling, an unofficial event of unknown origins, now consists of seven races; 3 men's, 1 women's, a mixed uphill race for children under 11, a mixed uphill race for children aged 11-15, and a mixed uphill adult race. Entry is free, and the cheeses are provided by the Smart's Traditional Gloucester Cheese company.

Competitors compete to cross the line first, rather than than catch the cheese. Rugby players stand at the bottom to catch the competitors.

Competitors enter at their own risk. Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Archive/PA Images

This year all three men's races were won by Chris Anderson, a soldier with 1 Rifles. A race veteran, he has now equalled the record for the most cheeses ever won by one person: a total of 18 Double Gloucesters! Also taking part was TV presenter Ben Fogle.

Cheese-rolling champion Chris Anderson with his Double Gloucester trophy. Credit: Ben Birchall/PA Wire/PA Images