Hundreds of years of tradition were comprimised when the onlookers who braved the early morning chills for the ancient tradition were not allowed to smoke their clay pipes inside the pub due to the smoking ban in public places.

But despite this, the ceremony took another step in history books as dozens met at Knightlow Hill near Stretton-on-Dunsmore on Saturday morning to mark the 838th recorded Wroth Silver - although it is believed they may have started years before the records began.

This year's Wroth Silver was the 70th consecutive ceremony for David Eadon, whose family have been attending the custom for more than 100 years.

Back in Saxon times, representatives from the parishes met at the hill before sunrise on Martinmas Eve (November 11) to pay their fees to the Duke of Buccleuch.

And still today, local residents, representatives from the Duke of Buccleuch and the Rugby Advertiser continue the tradition by meeting at the ancient stone at about 6.45am to carry out the ceremony.

A minute's slience was held before this year's event to mark the recent death of the 9th Duke of Buccleuch.

And tributes were paid to the Duke at the post-ceremony breakfast speeches at the Queen's Head in Bretford.

Tradition was maintained with the drinking of rum and milk - although pipe smokers were politely asked to go outside!