THE WORLD Christmas Cracker Throwing Championships is taking place this Saturday (November 29) in Fore Street, Tiverton between 11am-1pm.

Entrants are wanted from all over Mid Devon and Somerset to battle it out at what will be a hugely entertaining and utterly addictive free contest.

Organiser Sally Raynes from Wacky Nation said: "Last year over two hundred people, of all ages, came along to have a go and many were so determined to win the coveted World Champion title that they had several attempts at winning.

“There was an amazing variety of techniques and it was immediately obvious that brute strength was definitely not essential…just like pulling a cracker really. With a slight breeze and plenty of luck, anybody can win.”

In fact last year’s record throw was set by 8 year old Elliott Hurrell who had travelled all the way from Peterborough to take part. He threw the Christmas cracker an astonishing 13.57 metres. The organisers are very keen for this record to be beaten this year, (hopefully by a South West resident).

The World Championships is free to enter and there will be prizes for the winners of each category.

The event will warm everyone up ready for the annual lantern parade and big Christmas Lights Switch on for Tiverton which will start at 5.30pm and has been funded by the Tiverton Town Team to create a fun shopping experience for everyone coming to the town centre.

More information can be found at www.wackynation.com/christmascracker.

For more information and photos Sally Raynes can be contacted on 01884 255896 and at info@wackynation.com