Fife Police said behaviour over the weekend, when the unique academic mentoring tradition at St Andrews is celebrated, was generally good, with the only casualty being a broken shop window.

Even before the crucial 11 a.m. foam fight kick-off, streets around the centre of town were dotted with shaving foam, and various strangely-dressed figures could be seen being ushered along the pavements.

From 'Nessie', to penguins, half a dozen eggs and several 'academic children' dressed like children, there was plenty to smile about, although some passers-by professed themselves completely at a loss as to what was going on.

This year's contingent seemed to be heading through the historic archway leading off North Street in a more staggered format, than in previous years, if, indeed, such an event can have any kind of order.

The foam-covered characters groping their way back on to North Street through a side gate were greeted by congratulations and towels at having completed the ordeal.