SPORTS fans flocked to Sobraon Barracks in Lincoln on Saturday to cheer on teams competing in the English National Tug of War Championships.

A total of 25 teams from around the country took part in the event, which is the most prestigious date in the sport's domestic calendar and was held in Lincoln for the very first time.

View the full gallery from the English National Tug of War Championships...

Teams of eight "pullers" braved the occasional showers to compete in five different weight categories and across male, female and junior divisions.

Hopes were high for Lincoln Tug of War Club which was a silver medal winner in the men's 640kg class at last year's championships.

But despite a valiant effort they were beaten by just a single point in the same class by Cheshire team Wood Treatment Bosley Tug of War Club.

The team coach for Lincoln Tug of War Club, Tim Lee, said: "We had high hopes for the 640kg category because we did so well in it last year.

"It's a real shame as we only lost out by one point. But it's always harder when you're competing on home soil because the pressure is much greater. It's meant a lot to the Lincoln team to have the championships held in the county and it's great to see so many people turn out to support us."

The county was also represented at the event by Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) which competed in both the junior men's and ladies' categories.

Despite narrow defeats by Glossom ACF from Somerset and Leicester, Northamptonshire and Rutland ACF, county quartermaster for Lincoln ACF, Major (retired) Rob Holland remains confident for next year.

Mr Holland, who helped organise the event together with the Tug of War Association, said: "Our teams did really well today, despite being relatively new.

"We'll be building up for next year now and hope to come back bigger and better.

"It's terrific the national championships were held in the county as it gave a real boost to the home teams.

"It's also great for local people to be able to come along and enjoy it."

Former Lincoln Tug of War Club member Paul Dolan, who cheered the team on from the sidelines, said: "I started with the club in 1964 and it's wonderful to see the championships finally held in Lincoln."

Winning teams, which included Norton Tug of War Team from Staffordshire and Felton Eccles Tug of War Club, will now go on to represent England at the Outdoor Tug of War Championships in Minehead, Somerset, in September.

Watch a video of the event created by www.youngjournalistacademy.co.uk