AUTUMNAL antics were the order of the day at the Southbrook Inn, when 49 hopeful contestants met to test their conker wielding skills in a battle of string, strong wrists and bruised knuckles.

The event has become an annual tradition at the family pub, which is run by Bob and Gina Downing and has found a dedicated following of fans.

Bob explained: "This is the ninth year we have run this and it is always very popular. I did not enter myself, because we were very busy in the bar, but it went on for most of the afternoon.

"It is a real family atmosphere and we have people of all ages taking part. The kids are usually roped in to collect all the conkers that we need."

He added that the oldest entrant was 74 and the youngest aged just eight years old. But the wanton destruction is all for a worthy cause.

This year a record £217 was raised at the event for Ferndale Road pre-school to buy new play equipment.

The eventual winner of the three-and-a-half hour knock-out competition was local Scout leader Trevor Jenks who shattered the conker of his 12-year-old opponent Mitchel Owens.