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Page last updated at 10:12 GMT, Monday, 7 June 2010 11:12 UK

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In pictures: Cotswold Olimpicks 2010

Thousands of spectators lined Dover's Hill near Chipping Campden on the evening of Friday, 4 June, 2010 for the annual Cotswold Olimpicks.

The event dates back to the early 17th Century when it was thought to have once attracted 30,000 spectators. Teams took part in a number of events including sack racing, wheelbarrow challenges and obstacle courses.

Other events during the evening included rural challenges such as tug-of-war, sledgehammer throwing, a five mile run and Spurning the Barre, a Cotswold version of tossing the caber.

One of the highlights of the event sees grown men take each other on at shin-kicking. Steel capped boots may no longer be used, but it remains a serious business for the Gloucestershire competitors.

Shin-kicking at the Cotswold Olimpicks 2010

Players, wearing the traditional white smocks of shepherds, grasp each other by the shoulders and attempt to land well-timed blows to their opponent's shins. Only then - in mid-kick - can a player attempt to bring his opposite number to the ground.

Competitors must kick their way through early qualifying rounds, and swing their legs in a three-stage final to be crowned the shin kicking champion.

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Robert Dover's Cotswold Olimpicks

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