HUNDREDS of people turned out for the annual Grasmere Rushbearing procession.

The 400 year-old old tradition involved the procession winding its way through the village to St Oswald’s Parish Church.

This year more than 800 people were involved in the ceremony, either taking part or watching the parade, having a go at the sports events or packing St Oswald’s for the church service.

The Rev Cameron Butland believes the 400-year-old tradition has been reinvented over the years and is now an informal occasion for the community to enjoy.

“People of all ages gather together and have a really good time.

Before the church floor was paved in 1830 bodies would be buried within the chapel itself, and rushes were set down on the soil to purify the air and help insulate worshippers from the cold.

Also available was the rushbearing gingerbread cake made only once a year by the Grasmere Gingerbread shop. The cake was limited to 200 slices.