Inside the bizarre historic tradition where Brits run through town with flaming barrels soaked in tar on their BACKS

LOCALS lugging flaming barrels through the streets of a sleepy town is one Britain's most unique historic traditions.

The Ottery Tar Barrel is an ancient display in Devon's Ottery St Mary that's believed to stretch back to 1605.

At the time, a network of beacons were established along the coast which were to be set alight when invaders were spotted.

Dangers included feared Spanish fleets who were attempting to make land fall around the time locals began the tradition.

Before this, people used to roll the barrels down the main streets while they were on fire.

In the centuries since, the barrel-carrying tradition has stuck with the annual event taking place on the first weekend in November.

Each barrel is typically soaked in tar and set alight before it is raced down the streets.

The “barrel rollers” can include local men, women or children who are watched by crowds as they attempt the dramatic feat.

Pubs in Ottery St Mary’s town centre sponsor a barrel and the rolling begins outside each establishment.

But in a move of bravery, those participating often don't opt for high-tech fireproof clothing but rather home-made padded gloves.

However, spectators will be protected from the chaos by barriers in main barrel locations.

Festivities will kick off at 7pm on Saturday and organisers say it's not suitable for small children, animals or those with limited mobility.