The Cumbrian mass football game is one of only a handful left in the country, having been played for hundreds of years.

The first match of 2003 begins at 1830 BST on the Cloffocks, when the Downies will be looking to complete a hat-trick of wins over their rivals, the Uppies.

The game, which can last all night, also takes place in New Bridge Road, at the viaduct, and on down to the harbour.

Hundreds of players take part in the melee, with the game often crashing through gardens and fences.

The Friday match is the first of three bruising encounters, others take place on 22 and 26 April.

Proceeds from each game will go a local 17-year-old boy, Robert Errington, who has cerebral palsy.