OUR health and safety gurus would no doubt have a fit if this event took place today.

But in 1986, the rules were more relaxed and barrel racing along a village high street was an accepted form of fundraising.

This was the scene at Standlake, near Witney, when five pub and shop teams got to grips with the task of rolling empty 36-gallon beer barrels half a mile from the Black Horse pub to the Bell.

About 400 people turned out to watch the competition, which was being held for the 11th time.

A new rule had been introduced that year – each member of the six-strong men’s teams had to put on one item of women’s clothing.

One of the organisers, Roy Fuller, said: “It meant there was a bit of a laugh for the crowd. It also gave us the chance to put more teams in because you can’t get more than three barrels across the High Street, and this meant there was a staggered start.”

Women's teams also took part in the contest.

The barrel race was followed by a wine waiters’ race.

Both were won by teams from the Black Horse, clocking up its third successive victory in the barrel race.

Other events that day included music from the Bodicote Royal British Legion band, stalls, raffles and tombolas.

The day was organised by the Standlake and Northmoor branch of the Legion and all the proceeds went into its fund to help former servicemen and women and their dependants.

As far as we are aware, none of the barrels went rolling off and caused damage, no-one was injured – and everyone enjoyed themselves.