MEN who should know better out in the midday sun with a piece of rope – it must be summer in England. The tug-of-war contest was just one of many events at the first Norton Community Games on Sunday.

The free bash coincided with one of the warmest days of the year, to bring out the crowds young and old to enjoy challenges including rounders, archery, shooting and wall-climbing.

In front of the backdrop of old Norton Barracks, on Norton Cricket Club field, there were stalls and refreshments which helped pull in about 1,500 people.

An army of volunteers, including 1st St Peter’s Worcester Guides helped the day run smoothly.

The event was initiated by Dennis Hodgkins who roped in his friend Mike Goode and others to put on the village sports event, inspired by the London 2012 Olympics.

Mr Goode said: “Dennis came to me and said there was some Inspire grant funding available in the area, and that was on March 30.

“So between then and now we’ve organised all the events.

“The aim is we cover our costs and then anything left over goes into next year’s event.”

Organisers have secured charity status and are hoping to repeat the event next year.