A PhD student who made a last-minute decision to take part in a cheese-rolling competition has finally been given her missing edible trophy.

Ariel Dempsey was at a meeting with her supervisor in Oxford when she realised that, if she left at that moment, she could arrive at Cooper’s Hill in time for the women’s downhill Gloucestershire cheese-rolling race.

Ms Dempsey then also competed in the uphill race, only to win but not be awarded her cheese, as it had been left in a volunteer’s fridge.

Jem Wakeman, master of ceremonies, presented Ms Dempsey with her cheese on Monday, a week after her win.

The centuries-old event sees competitors chase 7lb (3kg) Double Gloucester wheels down Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester.

Ms Dempsey, who is from the US state of Michigan, arrived at the hill as the women’s downhill race started and threw her belongings to a stranger.

The 33-year-old said it was “joyful” to run down Cooper’s Hill, but she then faced the prospect of collecting her belongings.

“They called an uphill race and I decided that might be a good way to get up the hill fast and, sure enough, I won it,” she said.

When her prize could not be found, some initially suspected the cheese had been stolen. All was later revealed when the wheel was discovered in a volunteer’s fridge.

Jem Wakeman has been explaining the rules to competitors and starting the races as master of ceremonies for more than 10 years.

Speaking about this year’s event, he said: “It was very good to watch from the top – there’s been lots of facepalms and some good fliers.

“Everyone does it at their own risk. I’ve done it myself and been injured, it’s part and parcel of the game.”

Two people had to be taken to hospital from this year’s event, which took place on 26 May.

The races are labelled “unsafe” by the local authority and are classed as an extreme sport.