WATCH: A day at the Longnor races

Hundreds turned out for the village’s century-old traditional on Thursday, September 10, with the trap racing and motorcycling at the centre of the fun day of countryside competition. There was some dramatic action on the track and spectators were blessed by the good weather as the crowded by the track side with a hotdog in one hand, a beer in the other and the sound of the Hollinsclough Silver Band in the background.

Newcomer to the event 74-year-old Harry Rutter who was in Longnor for the first time, said the event as a wonderful treat in the countryside.

He added: “It’s been the best day of summer so far.

“All the trap racing and bikes and the Gymkana - it’s a right country do.”

Young Stevey Leese won the dream mile and horse rider Lucy Riley was presented with five awards for her classes in the pony gymkana.

“She’s got so much silver there she can’t hold it all,” said announcer Peter Dayton.

The race reader was also given a fond farewell as he announced his coming retirement after over-40 years of service, and a decade at Longnor.

He said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, now I’m hanging up my mike.”

A special award was also resented to George Grindson for his over-55 years of service to Longnor Sports Committee, who organise the event which has been a staple of the High Peak sporting calendar since 1904

Heidi Bradbury, 37, agricultural secretary and organiser of the event, said: “It’s a great local event, well supported by local people – a special tradition in the village that started over 100 years ago and continues to this day.”