'Biggest ever ball' for Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide Football

An ancient football game dating back to the 12th Century is set to begin later with the largest ball ever used, according to the man who painted it.

The Royal Shrovetide Football match in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, is traditionally played on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday and has been held nearly every year since at least 1667.

Tim Baker, who painted a ball for this year's proceedings, has written a book about Royal Shrovetide balls and said despite it being the largest ever, it was not necessarily the heaviest.

The action is due to start on Tuesday afternoon.