PRESENTERS from a hit BBC show have been in Workington today, learning about the town's oldest tradition for a programme due to be broadcast in the autumn.

Hit BBC show Antiques Road Trip visited the town ahead of the start of the tri-series tomorrow to film for an episode due to broadcast later in the year.

Presenters David Harper and Hetty met with lifelong Uppies and Downies players Elvin Jarvis, Joe Clark and David Sheperd to learn more about the much-loved ball game and even tried their hand at making some of the well known balls.

Uppies and Downies is a no-rules ball game which takes over Workington every Good Friday, Easter Tuesday and the following Saturday - and it will be back this week.

The game is a 'happening' which sees two sides of the town compete to 'hail the ball' with the Uppies hailing at Curwen Hall and Downies hailing at the Port.

There are no organisers of the game and it has been known over the years for its uniqueness in having no apparent rules.

Speaking about the visit Elvin Jarvis said: "We were approached by the BBC about doing some filming for Antiques Road Trip, Myself Joe Clark and David Shepherd have been filming at the cloffocks Curwen Hall and the Helena Thompson museum.

"The presenters have been filming around Cumbria today, and do a challenge as part of the show , so are learning about the game.

"David has been trying his hand at making a ball hopefully it will be shown in autumn."

This year's Uppies and Downies series is due to begin tomorrow, April 7, with the Good Friday game kicking off this year's events.