SLIDESHOW: Knaresborough’s Boxing Day tug of war

Teams from The Half Moon Inn and the Mother Shipton Inn (formerly the Dropping Well) battled it out at Low Bridge.

Both the male and female teams from Mother Shipton’s were victorious on the day, with the mens team from the Half Moon coming worryingly close to an icy swim.

Funds were collected for Saint Michael’s Hospice at the event which dates back to 1968.

The annual tug of war is part of a huge calender of community activities in the town.

Knaresborough entertainer Simon Shaw pulled off a circus style stunt at the event, cycling across a tightrope.

He said: “There was a really good crowd down for the pull, a good atmosphere.

“People like to come down to get out and about, get some fresh air.

“It is a real community event, people get to meet up with their friends in a real madcap British way.”

Bev Fall, landlady at the Mother Shipton Inn said: “I am delighted that we won, it was a really good day.

“I’d like to thank Ed and Lindsay for letting us use their garden, and all the teams for being such good sports.”

She added: “It is a true tradition now, this year has gone so fast it feels like only five minutes since the last tug of war.”

The event was started in 1968 by a group of friends and both pubs insist the rivalry is friendly.

Max Harrison, owner of the Half Moon Inn said: “It is definitely good to see people out and about.

“It is a tradition for a lot of families and it is just good fun.”

The event raises money for Saint Michael’s Hospice.

Knaresborough’s next annual event is the New Years Day duck race tomorrow organised by Knaresbroough Cricket Club in aid of Henshaws..

At 1.30pm, about 5,000 plastic ducks will be dropped into the River Nidd from High Bridge in Knaresborough and will make their way downstream top the finish line outside Marigold’s Café in Waterside.

People can pay £1 per duck and the first one over the line wins £100.

Henshaws fundraiser Lisa Sherratt said: “The duck race is a lighthearted way to ring in the new year and it is fun for all the family, so come along and have a great time.”

You can buy tickets at Knaresborough Cricket Club in Aspin Lane and from Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre in Bond End, Knaresborough.