Abingdon's royal bun-throw to celebrate Queen's 90th

The event sees thousands of buns fired into the crowd in the town's square

A bun throwing event for the Queen's official 90th birthday will be held in Abingdon later.

The 255-year old tradition, which attracts thousands of people, takes place to mark royal events.

The 4,500 specially-baked currant buns, which feature a crown design on the top, will be thrown from the roof of the county hall.

Roads in the town centre will be closed from 17:00 BST - the bun-throwing begins at 19:00.

The event, organised by Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council, sees the Mayor, Councillor Alice Badcock and council members throw the buns into the crowds below who try to catch them.

Ms Badcock, who will throw the first bun said: "Bun throwing is a major event for Abingdon.

"It does not take place every year and therefore people very much look forward to taking part when there is a royal event to celebrate."

In recent years there have been two bun throwing occasions in 2011 to celebrate the Royal Wedding and in 2012 6,000 were thrown as part of Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Upturned umbrellas are used by the crown to try and catch a bun