A LONG-STANDING tug of war battle pulled in the crowds again this year when two rival pubs pitted their brawn against each other over a running brook.

The annual Boxing Day event between the Nags Head and White Hart, in Moreton, attracts people from miles around with over 400 attending the latest show.

This year, revenge was sweet for the Nags Head when its team of Ongar Young farmers re-gained the trophy they had lost last time round.

Landlord Ron Clift put his victory down to a strict ban on alcohol before the big pull.

He said: “Possibly last year they had a drink or two too many. There's an obstacle race beforehand to determine who gets to choose the side. This year there was no alcohol beforehand and we won that and got the right side.

“It was a very busy day for us. It was very well attended and there were certainly a lot of people there.”

White Hart manager Victoria Stephenson attributed her team's loss to greater professionalism among her rivals.

“They're very well trained- they've got their own coach and gear. We just use our customers,” she said. “It was very well attended and good fun as usual.”

The annual tug of war is a 50 year tradition for Moreton.