ONE of Northumberland's annual long-standing traditions took place on New Years' Day.

Hexham Courant: Spectators line the streets to watch the eventSpectators line the streets to watch the event (Image: Newsquest)

We took a look back at the event, which has been held in Ponteland for more than 700 years. 

Hexham Courant: The Wheelbarrow RaceThe Wheelbarrow Race (Image: Sorted PR)

The Ponteland Wheelbarrow Race is believed to date back to the early 1300s, when the Lord of the Manor encouraged residents to scour the countryside to survive a particularly harsh winter.

Hexham Courant: The Ponteland Wheelbarrow Race in 2017The Ponteland Wheelbarrow Race in 2017 (Image: Newsquest)

The mile-long, circular course starts and ends at the Blackbird pub and sees money raised for local charities St Oswald’s Hospice and Tynedale Hospice at Home, which provide care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Hexham Courant: Tynedale Hospice at Home communications and marketing officer Nicci Westgarth and community fundraising officer Cathy Bates ready for the wheelbarrow race in 2018Tynedale Hospice at Home communications and marketing officer Nicci Westgarth and community fundraising officer Cathy Bates ready for the wheelbarrow race in 2018 (Image: Newsquest)

Adult teams pay £10 to enter, while children’s teams pay £5, and spectators are encouraged to make a donation.

Hexham Courant: Daniel Herlbauer and Graham Crammond took the top spot in 2016Daniel Herlbauer and Graham Crammond took the top spot in 2016 (Image: Newsquest)

This year's race started with the Noon Parade, followed by the Junior Race, the Ladies' Race, and the Open Race, with presentations to the winners afterwards.

Organised by Ponteland 41 Club with the support of Ponteland Rugby Club and several volunteers, the race uses the sponsorship and entry fees to support the two charities.

Hexham Courant: The men’s race at the New Year’s Day 2018 Ponteland wheelbarrow raceThe men’s race at the New Year’s Day 2018 Ponteland wheelbarrow race (Image: June Atkinson, Ponteland Photographic Society)

Each competitor must push the wheelbarrow at least 200 metres during the course of the race.

Hexham Courant: Dave Taylor and Clare Richardson, from St Oswald’s HospiceDave Taylor and Clare Richardson, from St Oswald’s Hospice (Image: True Storey Photography)

People working in teams of two push each other in a wheelbarrow along the course with team members switching half way through the race.

Hexham Courant: For the first time in its history, the event featured a women’s race in 2016For the first time in its history, the event featured a women’s race in 2016 (Image: Newsquest)

Send us your pictures of this year's Wheelbarrow Race.