An ancient rivalry saw hundreds of families take to the streets to witness a battle between two pubs on Boxing Day.

The village of Ongar was transformed into a battle ground for the annual tug of war between The Nags Head and The White Hart.

For around 60 years the pubs have attracted their supporters to the Christmas challenge which is always hotly contested.

Before the race began the seven men and one woman on each team took part in a strange race which saw them downing pints of Guinness, eating beans in hot sauce and being pelted with whipped cream along the way.

Once it was decided which side of the stream the teams would take, battle was declared.

After three tugs the dispute was settled on firm ground this year seeing The White Hart reign victorious for the third year in a row.

Landlord Jim Holden said: “Everyone loves it. It is brilliant.

“They had some great big boys on their team but we always expect to win.

“It’s about technique and dedication.”

Nags Head landlord Chris Brett said that there is no bad feeling between the pubs.

He said: “Many years ago the demographics of the village were very different, there were a lot of farm workers and there was a rivalry between the two pubs.

“It was a great day.

“We will take back the crown next year.”

To see a video click on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyaAh0LimO8&feature=c4-overview&list=UUwwTcn0VUPxUPzPNz0BGywg