A FUNFAIR game steeped in ancient Greek mythology is being restored to Goostrey Rose Day this year after it was dropped from the festival after more than 100 years.

Goostrey Parish Archive has delved into its records to add to the fun on the crowning field by reintroducing the traditional game of hoopla, where wooden hoops are thrown over prizes by hopeful contestants.

The archive usually holds a display of exhibits and photographs from the collection but it was decided it was time for a change after an image came to light showing the game in action in the 1900s.

Now after recovering the hoopla stall from Ray Brown's family Orchard's Farm at Twemlow, where it was safely stored in a barn for some years, repairs have been carried out by Goostrey Men in Sheds and restored to its original splendour by the archive.

The team from the archive has repainted and decorated the hoopla stall in traditional colours and decked it out with flags and bunting giving a modern twist showing photographs of past Rose Days from its early beginnings.

The popular Rose Day entertainment is part of Britain's funfair heritage and the archive expects it will attract a big response on Saturday (June 29) when the crowning of this year's queen takes place.

The event will see 12-year-old Harriette Noonan crowned Rose Queen at the traditional ceremony on the school field by last year’s queen, Ella Wilford.

The archive has records showing a hoopla stall at Goostrey Rose Day dating back to 1905, but it could have been present much earlier.

If as popular as expected with young and old on Rose Day, it is hoped this will help to restore it as an annual attraction.

The prizes are mainly aimed at children but with some additions for the adults. Bundled prizes include soft toys, rubber ducks, craft items, yo-yos, bubbles, Lego-style mini kits, jams and preserves, sweets, scented candles, tins of tea, some cash prizes plus a lot more. "

The stall will be cash only, with any profits contributing towards the Goostrey Parish Archive website, which it hopes to launch by the end of July.