Tasty treats were launched at “ecstatic” shoppers in Colchester as part of a quirky tradition that is said to be putting the town on the map.

East Anglian Daily Times: Colchester mayor Gerard Oxford throwing buns. Picture: SEANA HUGHESColchester mayor Gerard Oxford throwing buns. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

After a year’s absence and mounting public demand, the annual bun hurling event returned today as part of the Colchester High Street Christmas market.

Colchester mayor Gerard Oxford, organiser Don Quinn and Santa Claus were among those given the honour of throwing the buns into the crowd from the Town Hall steps.

Mr Quinn, who has organised the event for 18 years, said thousands of people attended.

“It’s making an impact on the town,” he added. “It shows Colchester is a very thriving community and somewhere to come and visit.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jessica and Sam from Lunch. Picture: SEANA HUGHESJessica and Sam from Lunch. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

“It’s a very long tradition. We had a break last year but it’s now back with a vengeance.

“Everyone was jumping up and down with absolute ecstasy. It’s quite a lovely thing, people really enjoy it.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Nikki Acquah and Matthew Jamison. Picture: SEANA HUGHESNikki Acquah and Matthew Jamison. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

East Anglian Daily Times: Helen Netting at Colchester Christmas market. Picture: SEANA HUGHESHelen Netting at Colchester Christmas market. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

East Anglian Daily Times: Singer Sarah Louise. Picture: SEANA HUGHESSinger Sarah Louise. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

East Anglian Daily Times: John Rigby on the fudge stall. Picture: SEANA HUGHESJohn Rigby on the fudge stall. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

East Anglian Daily Times: Stacey Nunn at the Dedham Vale Viveyard stall. Picture: SEANA HUGHESStacey Nunn at the Dedham Vale Viveyard stall. Picture: SEANA HUGHES

East Anglian Daily Times: Annabel Warland with Help For Heros . Picture: SEANA HUGHESAnnabel Warland with Help For Heros . Picture: SEANA HUGHES

East Anglian Daily Times: Organiser Don Quinn. Picture: SEANA HUGHESOrganiser Don Quinn. Picture: SEANA HUGHES