Bedlam ensued in west Oxfordshire as Roman soldiers, firefighters and pirates were among scores of competitors to participate in the Bampton shirt race on Saturday.

More than 1,000 people willed on the wacky racers as they took on the traditional course of eight watering holes around the village.

The race - the 56th annual event - sees pairs dressed in long night-shirts attempt to be the quickest around the village.

One of the pair has to stop and drink a half-pint of beer at eight designated stops while their partner pushes them around the course in wheeled contraptions including prams, wheelbarrows and even wheelie bins.

Spectators also take the opportunity to don fancy dress while cheering on friends and family.

Don Rouse, one of the organisers, said: "It is a terrific community event. This year was one of the best - it really was fantastic.

"More than 1,000 people were watching in spite of West Oxfordshire District Council stopping us putting signs up."

Mr Rouse said the highlight of the race was seeing Bampton's fire crew in a mock fire engine.

He said when the race began the village had 11 pubs, but now had just four - but people living in the old pubs still provided drinks to ensure the race could continue.

The senior race was won by Dean Barber, 36, and his cousin James Barber, 20, who used a pram to navigate the course.

Dean, from Wadard's Meadow, nearby Witney, said: "I have been doing the race now since I was five.

"I do the drinking, James does the pushing - but it's not the best deal, it is hard work.

"I was a little tipsy after the drinking and the running."

The pair were among three generations of Barbers taking part in the race.

Dean added: "It is a good occasion. Everybody in the village looks forward to it for the two or three weeks leading up to it.

"It was brilliant. The atmosphere was good and there were a lot of people watching.

"I am starting to feel a bit old now and I am aching today. I have not got many races left in me."

David Deegan, 34, from Calais Dene, Bampton, pushed his daughter Lily, four, and son Henry, six, around in their Noddy and Big Ears costumes.

He said: "It was a lot of fun. The streets were lined with people cheering and there was a wide array of costumes.

"There are several events during the year in Bampton that bring the village together and build community spirit. It is hard work - it was a long race."