35th Vale of Belvoir Conker Championship in Long Clawson was another smashing affair

It's conker time again PHOTO: Tim Williams

Prior to the event there had been a real concern about the size of the conkers this year as a result of the exceptionally long dry summer. However, this proved to be unfounded and an adequate supply of large conkers accommodated proceedings.

The competition is held annually in Long Clawson next to the Crown and Plough.

The tournament format was split into two with an adult section open to both men and women and the 14 and under section.

Lucy Turner and John Lawson do battle PHOTO: Tim Williams

“The number of entries was again solid with over 100 competitors on the day all aiming to be crowned King Conker 2018,” said Bryan Lovegrove, one of the organisers.

“There were a number of prolonged battles, sometimes with no conker being broken. These then went into a sudden death test of skill with the winner being the one to gain the greatest number of conker strikes from a set number of attempts.

“This was also how the final was decided and created great tension with the two finalists and the supporting crowd.

“You do have to be a bit bonkers about conkers but the annual event is as popular as ever, and in the afternoon sunshine it all proved to be great fun.

Five-year-old Ruby Balding in action PHOTO: Tim Williams

“Many thanks to all the volunteers, judges, stewards and companies who supported it.”

The junior winner was Yasmin Bursnall who beat runner-up Jessica Traquir. King Conker 2018 in the adult section was Jamie King who defeated Amy Goddard.

A sum of £400 raised on the day will be donated to Stand Up To Cancer.