With London gripped by Olympic preparations, even the city's "cads" and "bounders" have been getting in on the sporting act, hosting their eighth annual "Chap Olympiad".

The event sees athletes in early 20th century dress compete in events such as Gentleman's Club Golf - where contestants have to toss a bowler hat into a fishing net, and Ironing Board Surfing - where a contestant is carried on top their ironing board holding a cocktail which must not spilled.

Around 1,000 spectators, most in vintage dress, gathered in the drizzle on Saturday to witness the competitors strive to collect enough points to win the coveted Golden Cravat.

"I think in some ways it harks back to a golden age, the best of a golden age," said Tristan Langlois, Master of Ceremonies. "We don't want to be overly nostalgic about it but an age in which the pace of life was slower, things seemed to matter less somehow. Some of the banausic nonsense of the modern world mattered less and the richness of life mattered more, I think that's probably what the appeal is."

To that end, appearance is one of the most important aspects of taking part and one must look their dapper best, with more points awarded for style and an immaculate crease, but not for winning.