King Charles has played a part in a historic hand ba’ game in the Scottish Borders – despite some concern from his security guards.

Historians believe the high energy street sport has been played in Jedburgh for centuries – reputedly first using a captured soldier’s head for the ball.

The royal guest officially started an exhibition game as part of his visit to the town.

At one point his security guards moved in protectively as the scrum moved a little too close for their liking, but the King survived the close encounter unharmed.

Proceedings start in Jedburgh with the ribboned ball being thrown into a ruck of the two teams.

One team, the Uppies, try to take the ball towards the town’s castle while the Doonies attempt to carry it towards the Jedwater.

Charlie Young, president of the Jethart Callants Club, explained to the King the history of the lawless sport during the match.

He said: “King Charles got a bit of a shock when the play swung in his direction and a few of the security guys had to come a bit closer.

“But what an honour for us to have the King put the ball up and into play.”

Although there are reportedly only 14 traditional hand ba’s still being regularly staged in Britain, King Charles revealed that Jedburgh was not his first experience of the ancient sport, having officially started the Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide game in Derbyshire.

Although lasting only three minutes, the exhibition match between Uppie and Doonie teams, provided plenty of entertainment.

Experienced hand ba’ player Tam Miller said: “This is our tradition that goes back 500 years and it’s a great honour for us to have the King start one of our games.

“Our hand ba’ is still well supported by the younger men in the town – and we can now call it the royal hand ba’ game from now on.”

The royal visit also coincided with the start of the Jethart Callant’s Festival with the town’s principals arriving on horseback to meet His Majesty.

They also led a traditional reel dance in the town’s market square in front of King Charles as part of the day’s celebrations.

Callant Robbie Thomson said: “Riding up the street with the flag and seeing the King waiting for us was absolutely brilliant.

“King Charles had lot of questions about the dancing and the rideouts we are doing during the festival.

“The festival is only just starting but this feels like the icing on the cake already.”

The King spent more than three hours in Jedburgh, where he met local retailers, market traders and the thousands who lined the streets to welcome him.

He was also given a guided tour of a local company that uses UK hemp crops to make insulation material.

The visit came as part of Royal Week in Scotland, where the royal family undertakes a series of engagements north of the border.

Visits began on Tuesday, with the King arriving at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for the Ceremony of the Keys and holding an investiture.