While millions either nurse a hangover or opt to spend the first day of 2017 in bed the community of Abingdon gathered together this morning to take part in a centuries-old tradition.

The annual Beating of the Bounds was first observed in 1556 after the granting of a charter set out the physical boundaries of Abingdon.

The custom of walking the entire boundary in the newly created borough was laid down in the charter as a means to ensure people knew where it was as well as allowing the council to check on anyone building over or otherwise infringing it.

Now, the annual walk is a chance for the local community to learn the history of the area and has become something of a local tradition.

This morning's walk was attended by around 30 people, each turning out to stroll the town boundary despite the rainy weather.

One attendee, Penny Clover, has taken part in the event three times and has seen it become something of a community highlight for the year.

She said: “It is a traditional event that is being run by the town council really to celebrate what a beautiful town to live in Abingdon is.

“It is an opportunity to introduce parts of the town that people wouldn’t know about like the walk along the River Ock for example.

“I would think there are a fair amount of people that have done it before or see it as a traditional thing to start the New Year.

“It is a good atmosphere and a good community gathering. We can discuss the history of the town and even make new friends.”

Town crier who led the walk Tim Hunt, said: “This is the fifth one that I have done, and we do it every year. I love doing this walk.

"It gets me out on New Year morning and it’s also a way of stopping me from getting too exuberant the night before. It’s good to get the youngsters along too.

“I think it’s a good start to the New Year and its a way to get some healthy exercise at the end of the festive season.

“It’s also a bit of pantomime and a bit of history and a good chance to learn about the town.”

The walk, which is organised by the town council, began at the town's Market Place at 11.30am this morning before participants walked the boundary finishing at around 1.30pm.