A conkers competition has descended into a farce as the men's champion was searched following his victory, with organisers discovering he was concealing a steel chestnut.
King Conker, otherwise known as David Jakins, 82, has denied allegations of cheating in the tournament, which is held in Northamptonshire.
The event at the local pub, the Shuckburgh Arms in Southwick, attracted over 200 participants.
Going head-to-head, players use chestnuts threaded onto a piece of string and attempt to smash their opponent's conker in a series of three strikes.
King Conker David Jakins is under investigation for cheating allegations
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Approximately 2,000 conker fans watched the 256 entrants compete.
Competitors used the championships as an opportunity to show off their best chestnut-themed gear as sun shone on the attendees.
One woman was spotted wearing ruffled shiny blue and silver trousers as she competed in the much-loved tournament.
Others went more extreme, as a man was pictured sporting a conker-inspired hat, while another fashioned a Yoda inflatable headpiece.
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Each participant has been instructed to follow a strict set of rules to ensure that the championship is fair.
Consequently, the conkers and laces are provided by the event's organisers, and the string cannot be tampered with.
Players are also informed that at least 20cm of string between separate the knuckle and chestnut.
For games longer than five minutes, further rules apply. Penalties can also be handed out to rule-breakers.
Bonkers for conkers: over 2,000 spectators watched on as participants competed in the chestnut championship last Sunday
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Alastair Johnson-Ferguson, 23, lost to Jakins in the final and has accused King Conker of foul play, he has told The Telegraph.
He said: "My conker shattered with one hit, which is highly unusual... I suspect foul play and have raised my concerns with the organisers."
In response, Jakins denied the accusation, saying: "I had the steel conker in my pocket, but it’s just something I carry for laughs."
A spokesperson for the Chestnut Championships has confirmed that the allegations of cheating are under investigation.
The event, which was first held in 1965, has raised over £400,000 so far for charities that support those who are visually impaired.
