Woman to lead 'love trials' event in historic first

Laura Cohen will be a bearer in this year's Dunmow Flitch trials

A 900-year-old custom where married couples have to prove their love to a jury will be led by a woman for the very first time.

Laura Cohen will carry the "flitch" - or side - of bacon, during the Dunmow Flitch trials in July.

The ceremony, which is held every four years in Great Dunmow, Essex, sees couples cross-examined under oath about their relationship.

Successful lovers will be awarded their share of the bacon before Ms Cohen and her fellow bearers carry them aloft through the town.

“I’m very excited to be involved," she said.

"I used to be a builder so carrying on my shoulder is nothing new."

Christopher Atkinson and Meredith Atkinson-Wood were made to swear to tell the truth before their trial started in 2016

Couples taking part in the historic trials - a tradition dating back to the 12th Century - must have been married for at least a year and a day.

They must convince a jury of six maidens and six bachelors that they "had not wished themselves unmarried" during this period.

Ms Cohen will be among the bearers who help to carry the lovers who are successful in pleading their case through the town.

She will become the first woman to hold the role of a bearer after chief bearer Ross Karklins said the age-old rules did not prevent it.

Couples are seated in the dock as they defend their love

"My dad was also a butcher, so I grew up around the meat industry," added Ms Cohen, a landscape architect.

"I am looking forward to contributing in a meaningful way towards the day's events and supporting a long tradition in a town I have always lived.

"I think it will be great fun to be a bearer and am looking forward to joining the team."