Dozens of riders turned out to showcase their skills at an extravagant tent-pegging tournament in Blackburn.

The now annual event at Pleasington Playing Fields took part throughout the day on Sunday. Riders gathered early in  the morning for the event which attracts crowds and fans from across the North West to the town.

This year organisers had decided to separate the event from a Kabaddi tournament. Both have taken place on the same day in recent years but due to numbers and parking the events will be held a week apart.

Tent pegging is an equestrian sport where mounted horseman gallop, pick up and carry away a small ground target.

Each club, dressed in their club colours with matching turbans enter the playing area joined by supporters and drummers. As well as the car park, a section of the playing fields had been set aside for the riders and their teams.

Riders gallop down a playing area and attempt to hit a small target on the ground.

This year a juniors team from each of the clubs opened proceedings to show off their skills.

When a target is hit, a commentator, who was one of the highlights of the day, congratulated the rider and his team to the sound of more dhol drums.

Walkers and visitors to the park also stopped to see the show.

Each club had its own colours and regalia with riders and horses extravagantly adorned

Imtiyaz had travelled from Accrington. He said: “I missed it last year but it is lot bigger than I thought it would be.

“It is great to meet old friends and the horses are amazing.”

Kamran has headed to Blackburn from Bolton. He added: “I think it is great that the sport is alive and well.

“It is a lovely day out for everyone.

“From what I have seen so far in the morning they have put a lot of work in to it and are putting on a real show.”

The spectacle always attracts visitors to the town from across the north of England as well as walkers in the park

Next Sunday the Kabaddi tournament will be held at the same location.

The traditional South Asian sport sees invaders entire the opponent's half of the pitch and attempt to tag as many players as possible before trying to get back to their own half, all without being caught by the opposition.

Festivities tend to begin a little later in the afternoon with volleyball and stone-lifting also part of the programme.