A NORTH-EAST town is to host the first World Chicken Chucking Championship.

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

The idea came from chairman of the Meet committee Mark Knights.

He said: “We just wanted something that people young and old take part in together.

“I am sure it will attract a bit of interest and hopefully raise a bit of money for the Meet.

“We will only be having a first and second place, so everyone else who competes will come joint third.

“Then people can say they came third in the World Chicken Chucking Championship.”

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

The contest will be held on the Lower Demesnes, in Barnard Castle, following a parade at 1pm on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.

A wheelbarrow race through the town will start from the Market Cross at about 12.30pm