THE art of egg-jarping will take centre stage at a dales pub tomorrow.

Contestants from throughout the region are expected to join locals for the annual event organised by the Sunday Club, at the Cross Keys, Eastgate, in Weardale, at noon.

For the contest, which attracted 60 entries last year, people will be intent on toughening the shells of their eggs by any devious means, with the winners cracking the shells of their opponents.

Landlord Athol Graham said: "It has been pretty gloomy in the dale over the last few weeks because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak. We are hoping the egg-jarping will bring a little light relief."

This year, Morrison's supermarket, at Bishop Auckland, has weighed in with chocolate eggs for the winners.

There will also be a decorated egg competition.