Thousands watch competitors tumble in annual ‘cheese rolling’ race

Thousands of spectators have turned up to watch a bizarre competition dating back centuries – a group of people chasing a wheel of cheese down a very steep hill.

The annual cheese rolling competition in the English village of Brockworth on Monday saw a group of people pursue a wheel-shaped Double Gloucester cheese weighing 3.6kg down a 183-metre hill.

This year’s event was won by local man Chris Anderson, making it his 17th cheese rolling title.

“It’s brilliant, I’m really happy,” Mr Anderson said.

“My friend Izzy John sadly passed away recently so this is for him and his family. He won it multiple times."

The unofficial event was cancelled in 2010 due to safety concerns but enthusiastic participants have thrown caution to the wind to continue holding the much-loved event.

In 1997, 33 people were treated for injuries after participating in the hill roll.