THE people of Grasmere turned out to take part in a centuries old tradition as the annual rushbearing procession wound its way through the village to St Oswald’s.

Before the church floor was paved, bodies would be buried within the chapel itself, and rushes were set down on the soil to provide a soft, sweet smelling surface underfoot.

St Oswwald’s was paved with Borrowdale slate in 1830, but the tradition continued, and has grown into a festival celebrated by the whole village.

This year, over 800 were involved with the celebrations, either taking part or watching the parade, having a go at the sports events or packing St Oswald’s for the church service.

There were 35 separate bearings this year, many fashioned into imaginative shapes including a harp shaped bouquet held by PHD student, Susanne Sutton of New Brunswick, Canada.

Ms Sutton is researching Dorothy Wordsworth for her PHD at Dove Cottage, and leapt at the chance to tale part in a real piece of Lakes heritage.

“Being a Wordsworth scholar and having read about all the local traditions, she was in raptures at being part of it,” said Reverend Butland.

“We had so many children this year that we had to introduce heats in the sports events,” he added.

Indeed, such were the numbers that Reverend Butland used the youthful crowd during the rushbearing service to re-enact some of St Oswald’s famous Christian victories over the pagan kings of old.

More good fun for children and sweet-toothed adults alike was the special rushbearing gingerbread cake.

Made only once a year by the world famous Grasmere Gigerbread Shop, the cake was limited to 200 slices.