Video

There are few honours in the Derbyshire Dales that compare with being asked to 'turn-up' the ball for Shrovetide in Ashbourne and start the game.

Many famous names have done it in the past - former Rams chairman Peter Gadsby, former Chief Constable of Derbyshire John Newing, Roy McFarland, former MP Matthew Parris, Brian Clough and, of course, two Princes of Wales (1928 and 2003). You can find out more about past scorers and starters using the link on the right.

In 2008, the honour of turning-up the Tuesday ball fell to David Wheatcroft, Chief Executive of Derbyshire Dales District Council.

 In this video, you can see some of the scenes from Shrovetide 2008 as Mr Wheatcroft gives us his take on this most remarkable of traditions.