In pictures: Tetbury Woolsack Races

Bumper crowds watched on as the ancient tradition of Woolsack racing returned to Tetbury after a four-year break on Bank Holiday Monday.

On a sun-kissed afternoon, the event, which is believed to have originated in the 17th century, saw more than 5,000 spectators gathered to watch competitors hoist heavy sacks weighing up to 60lb over their shoulders and trudge up and down the steep one in four gradient of Gumstool Hill, along a challenging 240-yard course.

The event was run by Danny and Kirsten Toft, 49, who decided to help start a new committee and bring fresh impetus to the day, which saw a raft of stallholders create a vibrant scene.