AN historic North-west city was brought to a standstill today by the first cheese-rolling contest on its streets since Roman times.

Two of Chester's oldest firms of cheesemakers went head to head in the race as part of the launch of its inaugural food and drink festival.

Today, for the first time since the Romans withdrew from the city in AD70, rolls of Cheshire were chased down one of Chester's historic straight streets.

More than 70 restaurants, bars and cafes are taking part in the festival, which runs from February 26 to March 4.