Cheese rolling in Gloucestershire 'could become official event'

Gloucester's famous annual cheese rolling could be made an official event again after it was scrapped in 2010 due to safety concerns.

The event on Cooper's Hill has been held unofficially ever since, and attracted over 5,000 spectators in May.

Organisers said they were trying to become a small business and were hoping to attract sponsorship.

An estimated 15,000 people turned up in 2009 which led to insurers refusing to cover the event.

The hill, near Brockworth, is only suitable to host about 5,000 spectators.

One of the organisers, Candis Phillips, said they were trying to make the event as safe as possible to allow it to continue officially.

"We feel passionate about it. It's part of our history and we can't let it [die out]."

Ms Phillips said Gloucestershire Police had told them they needed £10,000 to police it, and any future event would probably require fences down the sides of the hill to improve safety.

"St John Ambulance won't come here. We've tried and they've refused. We're trying to get it so they will come again," she added.

"Our biggest fear is the liability with people wanting to claim [if they get injured].

"There is a possibility that we could become a limited company with limitations to the liability.

"Maybe there are other ways we can get round it, but we're finding out."

In 2013, 86-year-old cheese maker, Diana Smart was warned by police she may be liable for legal action because she could have been constituted as an organiser.

The annual event takes place every spring bank holiday Monday and sees thrill-seekers chase an 8lb (3.5kg) wheel of double Gloucester cheese down the 1:2 gradient hill.