Locals play a wacky game of "fire hockey" with a ball of burning embers singing their bare feet.

Residents took part in the traditional game last Friday (December 20) night in a field in Chaiyaphum, northeastern Thailand.

The annual fire hockey game is held every year in winter season to promote the area's cultural heritage. There were also Thai-Isan dancing and folk tales by residents.

Deputy Governor Wichai Tangcharoen of Chaiyaphum, the president of the event, said: "The historic annual fire hockey polo festival gathers people from around Thailand and abroad to experience the centuries-old event together. The fire polo is the highlight of the night.''

Fire hockey was first developed in 1946 in Thailand's Isan north-eastern region by farmers who played the sport to keep warm during the cooler winter temperatures.

Competitors use long bamboo sticks to try and hit fire ball, which is made from kapok fruits, into the opposing team's goal.

The players must not wear shields or gloves even though the ball is red hot, hits them on their feet and sprays hot sparks in the air.