Players tackle each other in the streets of St Columb Major, Cornwall, as they take part in hurling the silver ball, a tradition dating back many centuries.

The game is also known as Cornish hurling is played with a small silver ball and players are separated into two teams, townsmen and countrymen.

Footage from March 12 shows players tackling each other in fields and streets as they attempt to gain control of the silver ball.

The aim is to carry the ball to one of two goals that are 3 kilometres apart, one for each team, or across the parish boundary.

The hurler who placed the ball in the goal or carries it over the boundary is then declared the winner of the team and is carried back to Market Square.

In the evening the ball is paraded from pub to pub to be dipped in gallon jugs of beer which become "Silver beer."

Hurling or Silver Ball Hurling is a rough outdoor team of Celtic origin played only in Cornwall UK. It is played with a small silver ball.

Cornish hurling is a ball throwing and carrying game akin to Rugby football.

Once widely played in Cornwall, the game has similarities to other traditional football or inter parish "mob" games, but certain attributes make this version unique to Cornwall.

It is considered to be Cornwall's national game along with Cornish wrestling.

This annual Hurling matches at St Columb Major have the same status Obby Oss at Padstow and the Furry Dance at Helston.

All three customs pre date records. Hurling takes place on Shrove Tuesday and the second Saturday after.

The game is initially played in the town and streets where children are allowed to join in and locals are handed the ball to touch for good luck and fertility.

The two teams comprise townsmen and countrymen and the aim is to carry the ball to one of two goals 3 km apart or to carry the ball over the parish boundary.

The winner is carried shoulder high back to the market square and the ball is declared either Town Ball or country ball.

In the evening the ball is paraded from pub to pub to be dipped in gallon jugs of beer which becomes "Silver beer".