Clog cobbin gives community some sole

8:47pm Monday 24th March 2008

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HUNDREDS flocked to a Rossendale pub for the annual international Clog Cobbin competition.

The event, which began in the 1960s to raise money for charity, involves throwing a traditional Lancashire clog over your head and down a path next to the Roebuck Inn, Waterfoot.

The person who can throw their clog the furthest is the winner.

The event has grown into a tradition which attracts people from all over the Valley and further afield.

Trisha Dearden, treasurer of the Clog Cobbin Committee, said: "It's a time for us to socialise and raise money for other people. But it's also a truly international event. We've had people from Hong Kong and South Africa taking part."

The event is to be featured in an English Heritage book to be published in October called Played at the Pub. Author Arthur Taylor travelled from Oldham to be at the event.

Lee Preston, 26, of Waterfoot, takes part every year. This time he sponsored the trophy for the winning woman.

He said: "It's an important tradition. There isn't a secret to throwing the clog, it's just brute force and a good aim."

Kelly Walsh won the ladies' event with a throw of 56ft while the girls' winner was Jade Clegg who threw 50ft.

Jordan Noon won the boys' competition with a throw of 62ft and John Walsh won the men's competition for the third year in a row with a throw of 77ft.

• Click on the link below for more photos from the event.