FEATHERS will fly as a town hosts the world’s first ever Chicken Chucking Championship.

As part of the annual Meet in Barnard Castle, County Durham, tourists and locals will be challenged to throw a rubber chicken as far as they can.

The town’s carnival, held next weekend, has been going for decades but this is the first time chicken chucking will be one of the attractions.

The idea for the competition, which will be open to everyone, came from chairman of the Meet Committee, Mark Knights.

"We just wanted something that people young and old take part in together," he said.

"I’m sure it will attract a bit of interest and hopefully raise a bit of money for the Meet at the same time."

Even if competitors’ chicken chucking isn’t up to much, they will be guaranteed a top-three finish.

"We’ll only be having a first and second place so everyone else who competes will come joint third regardless of how far they throw it," said Mr Knights.

"Then people can say the came third in the World Chicken Chucking Championship when they go back to work on Tuesday."

Competitors will be able to use any throwing style they wish, though the rubber chicken can’t be rolled into a ball.

The contest will be held on the Lower Demesnes in Barnard Castle following the grand parade on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25 at 1pm. Each attempt costs £1. Before the grand parade there will be a wheelbarrow race through town, starting at the Market Cross at about 12.30pm.