THE WORLD Christmas Cracker Throwing Championships is taking place this Saturday (December 14) in Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, between 12pm - 2pm.

Entrants are wanted from all over the south west to battle it out at what will be a hugely entertaining and utterly addictive contest.

Organiser Sally Raynes from Wacky Nation said: "Last Friday night we organised a practice session in the town and over one hundred people, of all ages, came along to have a go with many determined to come back and compete for the coveted World Champion title.

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

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

The event is part of the Christmas entertainment going on in Tiverton and has been organised jointly by the Tiverton Town Traders and the Tiverton Mary Portas to create a fun shopping experience for everyone coming to the town centre.