Pictures: Combe Martin hunts the Earl of Rone

The rhythmic drums, hundreds taking to the streets and colourful characters – it can only mean Combe Martin has spent the bank holiday weekend Hunting the Earl of Rone.

The unique custom sees villagers don their costumes to seek out the elusive ‘earl’ with processions on each day accompanied by characters including the Hobby Horse, Fool and a troop of Grenadiers.

It began on Friday evening, then on Saturday local children have their own junior procession, followed by a mazy Sunday afternoon affair and finally culminating in the grand finale on Monday evening, when hundreds join the hunt.

The Earl is finally located, captured and led down the long village street to the sea seated backwards on a donkey. He is ‘shot’ several times before being revived and finally at sunset is cast into the sea.

The popular annual event is joined by many in the village and is a great spectacle for visitors, as well as an opportunity for more than a little revelry and merriment!

Participants in this year’s event also remembered Phyllis Ackland, who passed away very recently aged 96 – Phyllis was a long-term and enthusiastic supporter of the Earl of Rone and took part for many years.

Above: The late Phyllis Ackland leading the procession. Credit: Earl of Rone Council/JustSo Photography