Could Atherstone Ball Game be cancelled for first time in 821 years?

The Atherstone Ball game is in doubt of taking place in 2021 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, breaking a chain of 821 consecutive events in the town.

Every year residents gather on Long Street on Shrove Tuesday to move the huge ball down the road in one of the most-anticipated events on the town's social calendar.

This year's event was marred by steward Martyn Kellegher-Burton collapsing from a heart attack in the event headquarters.

The game was then, understandably, called off.

Organisers have warned this year that, with less than three months to go until the 2021 instalment, the 822nd event could be cancelled.

Ball Game chairman Rob Bernard has said "It's going to be a near impossible task for us to hold the event as we all know and love it, as much as it pains me to say.

"We're giving it every chance and are discussing other ideas to keep the game going, because it means so much to the people of Atherstone, but it is looking very unlikely at this stage."