THE Cotswold Olimpick Games is set to go ahead this year after the disappointment of last year's cancellation.

Robert Dover's Olimpick Games that take place on Dover's Hill near Chipping Campden which feature a number of quirky Cotswold sports such as shin kicking were suspended last year due to a lack of funds and volunteers.

However, a new committee headed up by Tom Threadgill, the new chairman of the games has worked hard to convince people to get involved through a revamped Facebook page and a more complete website.

The committee has also made changes to keep the games modern but also to retain their tradition.

The event will take place on Friday June 1 as it is a traditional Spring festival held on the Friday after Whit Sunday.

A statement on the games' Facebook page said: "We are excited to announce that the Cotswold Olimpicks return this year.

"We have been working hard to ensure the revelry and celebrations continue in the name of Robert Dover himself."

Chairman of the games, Mr Threadgill had previously said he wouldn't be able to guarantee the games going ahead, but he has now said that they will go ahead.

He previously said: "We have been very busy fundraising as it is going to take £25,000 to revamp the games, which will safeguard it for future years not just for this year.

"We need to change elements and modernise, whilst keeping some of the traditions that the games have had for 400 years.

"If there is not something new every year people will get bored, and I think this is what has happened previously.

"The website and Facebook pages are much more active now, which is what we need to do to get people interested.

"If you want to help volunteer there are details on the website of how to do so."

The history of the games is traced back to 1612 when Robert Dover gave his name to a set of games, festivities and general merriment on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment which would later bear his name, Dover's Hill.

To volunteer, visit olimpickgames.co.uk/volunteers or email chairman@olimpickgames.co.uk