Cheese rolling champions to be honoured in races

Two "fearless" late champions of a unique British sport will be remembered at this year's event.

Thousands of spectators are expected to gather on Cooper's Hill near Gloucester on Monday to witness daring competitors hurl themselves down the famously steep slope in pursuit of a rolling wheel of Double Gloucester cheese.

This year, the first downhill men's race will be held in memory of Izzy John, who died in 2015, and the second to Steve Brain, who died in 2018. Both men won more than 30 cheeses between them.

One of Steve Brain's dying wishes was for his ashes to be scattered at the top of Cooper's Hill. His friend Lee Chapman said: "They blew everywhere. He'll always be here."