TAVISTOCK College sixth formers studied Ottery St Mary's famous bonfire night ritual as part of their A level course.

The PE students spent an exciting and educational evening at the annual flaming tar barrels carnival event, watching in awe as the town's residents walked the streets with burning barrels balanced on their backs.

Teacher Mel Hopkins said: 'The students had a great time and did the college proud in terms of behaviour. The atmosphere did seem a bit bizarre to those who had never seen the tar barrels before!

'The event is a fantastic example of popular recreation which has survived for hundreds of years. We cover popular recreation as part of the history of sport module so it is a great way to practically demonstrate what it's all about and the students use the experience to complete a piece of coursework.'

'Very little is known about the origin of the event but some say it originated either for the purpose of fumigation or as a pagan fire ritual,' added Miss Hopkins.

'The barrel rollers jealously guard their right to carry the barrels and can only do so if they have lived in Ottery all their life.

'We intend to take students every year as it complements their studies and is a very enjoyable and enlightening trip.'