Contestants are crumbling under the pressure as they prepare to take part in a unique competition.

Organisers of the Glendale Show in Northumberland are hosting what they claim is the world's first Biscuit Throwing Championship.

Scores of competitors will line up at the show in Wooler, on Bank Holiday Monday, to see how far they can fling a rich tea biscuit.

Enthusiasts reckon the little-known sport is set to take off in a big way after the event.

The aim will be quite simply to see who can throw a standard rich tea biscuit the furthest

Ian Thompson, event organiser

Ian Thompson, who devised the contest, said all biscuits would be closely examined before they are tossed to make sure they have not been tampered with.

They must be a perfect round shape and any extra grooves and crumbling is strictly outlawed.

Mr Thompson said: "The aim will be quite simply to see who can throw a standard rich tea biscuit the furthest in our specially-built arena.

"There will be several categories, including adult, under 15 and under 11, with each category also being divided into male and female throwers."

Multiple entries

The championship is expected to run for about five hours, and each competitor will get to throw three biscuits per entry.

Only official biscuits may be thrown, and the winner will claim the coveted Biscuit Medal - a rich tea dunked several times in varnish.

All proceeds from the competition will go to the NSPCC.

Mr Thompson added: "Because it is for charity, competitors can enter as often as they like."