CONKER season will get off to a smashing start this weekend as people go Bonkers for Conkers.

The 8th annual conker championships at Langham Brewery will get into full swing tomorrow as horse chestnut fans from across the county flock to tournament.

The event at the brewery pits conker nuts against each other in both children’s and adults' championships with plenty of prizes up for grabs.

Bonkers for Conkers has run at the site near Petworth since brewery owner Lesley Foulkes decided she wanted to host an event that was “traditional, authentic and fun”.

The championship is also run to raise money for Chestnut Tree House Hospice and last year raised £400 for the charity.

Ms Foulkes said: “The last couple of years it has completely pelted it down, so we are hoping for good weather this year.

“Everyone is really hardcore. We have one family who come from Southampton who are The Conker Bonkers and they have this mascot which is a stuffed chicken on a stick and placards – their granddaughter was the previous winner last year.

“It is starting to get established, but when you start these things up people think you are crazy.”

She added her four tips for competing at Bonkers for Conkers were having a good eye, confidence, a firm strike and plenty of luck.

You are not allowed to bring your own conkers to the event so everyone competes on a level playing field.

The competitors are issued a conker in a manilla envelope which has already been pre=drilled and is totally natural – without vinegar soaking or oven baking.

Rules of the World Conker Championship will apply at the event and the umpire’s decision is final.

The juniors win the Langham Brewery Junior Plate and a box of chocolates while the seniors win the Langham Brewery Cup and some of their beer.

The championship event will also feature plenty of artisan craft and food stalls, live music from Stanislauski’s Polka Band and other local bands, and mini steam engine rides.

Registration starts at midday on Sunday. The entry fee is £2.50.