ABINGDON's unique tradition of councillors launching currant buns at residents will be used to commemorate the end of the First World War.

Ever since the 1761 coronation of King George III, the town has marked major royal and national occasions by hurling hundreds of buns off the roof of its County Hall to crowds in the Market Place opposite.

The town council has announced this will be done on Saturday, November 10 as part of a weekend of events to mark the centenary of the First World War coming to an end.

Abingdon Mayor Jan Morter, said: “Over the course of this year and especially during the weekend of November 10 and 11 we will remember with sadness and pride those who gave their lives during the First World War.

"However, it is also right that we should remember those who made it through the war and returned to their town and their families.

"The bun throwing ceremony will commemorate, with gratitude, their return and the end of the conflict.”

Town clerk Nigel Warner, stated that further details about the bun throwing ceremony and the full list of events would be revealed in the coming months.

There have been 35 Bun Throwing Ceremonies in the last 257 years, with the most recent taking place in June 2016 to mark the Queen's 90th birthday.

A bun throwing was held in in 2011 for the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Buns were also launched in June, 2012, to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.