PUPILS at a Swindon primary school went bonkers over conkers and sent a defiant message to killjoys.

Earlier this month a headteacher in Carlisle sparked a national debate when he ordered his pupils to wear industrial safety goggles while playing the traditional game.

Yesterday not one pair was in sight at Ruskin Junior School in Upper Stratton as it held its annual conker championships.

Headteacher Creighton Muirhead said he received no complaints from parents many of whom had come to support the event. He said: "We told parents that children were more than welcome to wear goggles if they wanted to. But I didn't see one pair being used."

Around 360 pupils took to the makeshift arena in the school playground significantly more than last year.

Mr Muirhead hit out at critics of the playground game. "I think people are taking this debate a bit too seriously," he said. "This is the ninth year we have held this championship and we have never had any accidents.

"I think people worry too much these days even over minor scrapes when children fall over and take some skin off their knees."

Proud dad Gerry Richens, 33, watched daughter Holly, seven, triumph in both her games. He agreed with Mr Muirhead's sentiments.

"I used to love playing conkers when I was a lad," said Mr Richens.

"I don't mind Holly playing conkers at all. As long as children are not stupid about it, it shouldn't be a problem.

"Conkers is great for creating a competitive spirit children need that."

Holly added: "I like finding the conkers best and I'm quite good at playing them."

Classmate Owen Newman, also seven, admitted to losing his games, but enjoyed the occasion nonetheless.

He said: "I love bashing them. I lost because my friends had harder conkers."