IF YOU'RE looking for something different to do on Boxing Day, why not support one of England's oldest traditions - the Crookham Mummers play?

The play, which lasts about 20 minutes, will be performed in Crookham village - outside the George and Lobster at noon, The Black Horse at 12.45pm and on the Crescent Green at 1.30pm, and in Dogmersfield, outside the Queens Head, at 2pm.

Mummers plays date back hundreds of years and used to be performed by labourers and other seasonal workers to raise money at Christmas.

Nowadays, all donations go to local charities.

There are records of the Crookham Play being performed locally going back to Victorian times, although parts of the text can be traced back to around 1680.

While most Mumming plays died out, the Crookham play has continued with regular performances.

The Crookham Mummers have appeared on Radio 4 and in numerous books on folk customs and local history.

The play is a colourful and noisy spectacle, with most of the characters dressed in costumes made from wallpaper strips.

It involves much boasting, banter and rustic humour, interspersed with vigorous sword fights.

You can cheer on Bold Roamer, Bold Slasher, Turkish Knight or King George as they battle it out to see "who is the best man of all".

There are lots of jokes, both new and old, and a miracle-working doctor who brings the injured back to life.

Somehow or other, Father Christmas, a dragon and The Press all get involved too.

The play is great fun for all the family.

For more information about the play, contact Jeff Brooks on 01252 812482.