In pictures: Gawthorpe's World Coal Carrying Championships

The annual World Coal Carrying Championships went ahead - despite snowy conditions altering the race programme.
PICS: James HardistyPICS: James Hardisty
PICS: James Hardisty

The traditional Easter Monday event in Gawthorpe, near Ossett, has never been cancelled in its history. It has been run since 1963.

Heavy early morning snow led to concerns that the races - which see contestants carry a sack of coal on their backs - would be called off for safety reasons.

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The children’s race was cancelled and there were changes to the adult race programme, with several waves being reduced and consolidated and start times brought forward.

Just one veterans’ race went ahead, followed by a women’s race and the men’s event.

Our snapper was on hand to capture all the action.

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