Almost 50 competitors slugged it out on Saturday to be crowned World Custard Pie Throwing Champions.

Teams from as far afield as Germany and South Africa took part in the contest in Maidstone, Kent.

Despite usually being associated with comedy characters such as Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy, the competition, which involved 12 teams, has a strict set of rules which entrants must adhere to.

Competitors working in teams of four are awarded points for the parts of their rivals bodies' they manage to hit, with the maximum of six points being given for getting them squarely in the face.

Judges can also award up to five points for the most original and amusing throwing techniques as well as bonus points for fancy dress.

This year's champions were the High Pressure Cleaning team who beat last year's winners Coxheath in the final.

The championships have been taking place in the county since 1967. The pies do not actually contain custard but are made using a secret recipe.