Last updated at 20:38, Thursday, 29 March 2012

This year’s Uppies and Downies series in Workington will feature a special Queen’s Diamond Jubilee ball.

The Easter series will see hundreds of competitors from across Workington out in force to battle for bragging rights as the Uppies must get the ball to Workington Hall, while the Downies try to reach the town’s dock.

A specially designed jubilee ball has been created by Mark Rawlinson, of Lady Court, Workington, and has red, white and blue piping around it.

The Uppies will be looking for revenge after last year’s defeat to the Downies.

Uppies veteran Joe Clark, 60, of High Close, High Harrington, said: “We have had a number of themed balls before and it adds an extra bit of incentive. Each ball is unique and has a story to tell.”

The three-game series starts on Good Friday, with the other games on April 10 and 14.

All money raised will go to Help For Heroes, and a charity night at Workington Royal British Legion, St John’s Court, will be held on Saturday, May 5.

Mr Clark said: “The anticipation starts to build after January and people on the streets stop and ask me about it.

“The crowds have increased over the years. It’s the best supported event in the town.

“It’s now a game for fit young men. They condition themselves for it.”

First published at 19:22, Thursday, 29 March 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk