Italy has a modern form of gladiator duelling for the favour of the Roman crowd.

Gone is the bloodshed of the Colloseum, but in its place near-naked men compete in an event which is almost as dangerous.

On New Years Day amateur divers stripped off and leaped 16 metres into the River Tiber off the Cavour Bridge.

Hundreds of Romans crowded around the bridge to watch the spectacle, which dates back to the days of Mussolini.

This year, as for the last 20 years, veteran diver Guiseppe Palmulli took his place alongside young pretenders who were eager to upstage the old man.

And though he might be upstaged technically by the younger, fitter athletes, his showmanship will ensure Palmulli will always be the favourite with the people of Rome.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.