Egremont's Crab Fair competitors take on the greasy pole

The Greasy Pole at Egremont's Crab Fair is a traditional event that takes place each year the fair is held.

The fair itself dates back to 1267, making it one of the oldest in the world.

One of the highlight of the fair is the Greasy Pole event, where participants attempt to climb a 9-metre-tall pole.

Competitors today only had the blow-up mattresses at the bottom to provide any peace to their climb. The goal is to reach the top and grab a ribbon, and traditionally win a leg of lamb or other meat.

James at the top of the pole (Image: Newsquest)

It is a very popular and entertaining event at the fair, drawing in crowds to cheer on the brave, and often unsuccessful, climbers.

In today's event, that started at around 11am, saw people attempt the pole located at the bottom of Main Street. The first competitor was James Cuthbert, the first to try and the first to reach the top.

James who sported a Egremont Crab Fair gurning merch top, stormed up the pole making it all the way to the ribbons at the top in around 33 seconds. James was gifted a leg of lamb for his pursuit.

It is a difficult fete taking on the greasy pole (Image: Newsquest)

There was two sets of ribbons attached to the pole, one which was for more junior competitors, and another for those who aimed to make it all the way to the top. Oscar Jones, opted for a different climbing style to the rest as he scaled the pole in a 'walking' style. Oscar was the first to make it to the first set of ribbons. Oscar received £5 in rewards money.

Kieran who was at the fair with his family was the second to make it to the very top and received £10 in winnings.

Kieran on the journey down with his ribbon (Image: Newsquest)

Sister duo, Demi and Darcy attempted the pole next. The star of the day was Darcy, who earned the crowds attention as she pushed herself to the first set of ribbons with encouraging words from her Dad and sister at the bottom. Daisy attempted the pole next, she was not able to make her way up the pole during her attempts but her sister was shouting her words of wisdom from the bottom after her successful attempt.

Sister duo Darcy and Daisy, as Daisy shows off her ribbon and the muscles that helped her get there! (Image: Newsquest)

Darcy said she was "chufted" afterwards, and when asked if she could hear all the crowd cheering for her, she said "yes".