THE competitive spirit between Cambridgeshire and Oxfordshire was turned to drinking in August, 1968, when teams from the two county's battled it out over who could down the most pints against the clock.

It all started when bench fitter Jack Stanmore from Watlington challenged Mick Barsby, a lorry driver from Whittlesey, to a contest to see who could drink a pint fastest.

At the time, Mr Barsby held the official world record for the quickest drink - taking just 3.2 seconds to finish a pint of ale.

A party from Oxfordshire travelled to Whittlesey to watch Mr Stanmore take on the reigning champion - in the end narrowly losing despite boasts he could down a pint in just two seconds.

The group enjoyed themselves so much, however, that they challenged their hosts to a return visit at the Burton Ale Store, in Oxford.

A coach party of 30 drinkers and supporters arrived for the rematch, this time featuring teams of six on each side, with the event so popular it was difficult to move inside the St Clements pub.

Here Watlington lorry driver Peter Cunningham can be seen downing a three-pint yard of ale after tucking into his third pint while standing on his head.