Traditional river football match goes ahead despite waterlogged pitch

The match is a fundraiser for Bourton Rovers and attracts large crowds every year (Ben Birchall/PA) - (PA Wire)

Football pitches are typically abandoned when waterlogged, but in the Cotswolds, a unique annual fixture embraces the wet. Two teams plunged into the chilly waters of the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, for the traditional Football In The River match.

While much of Britain has endured successive heatwaves and widespread drought this summer, the "pitch" in the Cotswolds was perfectly saturated for the event. The 50-minute game saw mixed teams from Bourton Rovers' men's and veteran squads compete, kicking off at 2pm.