In pictures: Ottery St Mary locals take part in annual flaming tar barrel run

Published on 06/11/2012 18:30

A MAN runs through crowds with a flaming wooden barrel soaked in tar during the annual tar barrel event in Ottery St Mary, Devon.

The competitors, who may only enter if they are born in Ottery St Mary, run for as long as they can with the burning barrels on their necks and heads. The tradition is said to have originated in the 17th century and is held on November 5 of every year.

• Pictures: Ben Stansallben Stansall/AFP/Getty