It is the first time in the history of Uppies & Downies that the town of Workington doesn't turn out en masse at the Cloffocks on Good Friday.

The traditional Easter game, which is played in three matches on Good Friday and the following Tuesday and Saturday, sees those with roots in the upper part of town try to take a specially-made ball to Workington Hall, while those from the lower part trying to get it to the harbour.

A designated ball-maker makes unique leather balls for each of the three games.

Mark Rawlinson has now been making the balls for 41 years.

They act as a prize for the player who manages to get it to their hailing point.

Each ball is traditionally sponsored by a different family from the town, who has the honour of throwing it off to start the game.

In 2018, uppie Nathan Askew made history by hailing all three balls in a series.

The event does not have formal organisers, it is a happening and thousands between players and supporters simply turn up on match days, which begin at 6.30pm.

The games simply end when the ball is hailed.

But this year, due to the coronavirus outbreak, no one will gather at the 'scop-off' point for the Medieval mass football game.

Each year events to raise cash for a chosen local charity are held following the three games.

This year's charity is West House and the event will be rescheduled.