CROWDS descended on a Nantwich village last weekend for the traditional Wybunbury Fig Pie Wakes.

As the rest of the country was brought to a halt to watch England's unimpressive opening match in the World Cup, villagers had their own competition to think about.

The unique event saw scores of homemade fig pies rolled down a steep hill in Wybunbury, watched by hundreds of cheering spectators.

The wakes date back to the 1800's, but were stopped in the 1920's due to rowdy behaviour, before being revived a decade ago to raise money to save the village's famous leaning tower of St Chad's church.

The event has since grown into something that unites the whole community, with a dozen village organisations and charities involved and the proceeds then divided between them all.

Pie-rolling competitors paid £2 to collect a fig pie recipe card - which doubled as an entry form into the event.

In addition to the races, the day featured a tug-of-war, tours around the tower, a beer festival, barbecue and refreshments.