While the game of conkers may be banned in some schools, it is flourishing at one primary - thanks to a new teacher.

John Richards, 23, a year five teacher at Grundisburgh Primary School near Woodbridge, was a conker champion in his youth.

Conker facts

Horsechestnut trees were introduced from the Balkans in the16th century It took 200 years for the game to develop Until recently conkers were added to animal feed as a fattening agent Some people use them in drawers instead of mothballs to deter insects

Mr Richards has reintroduced the favourite children's game to his students.

"When I moved down from my last school in Cumbria I noticed masses of conkers all over the roads and fields.

"So I asked the kids in my class why they didn't collect them and why they weren't interested.

"They said they really didn't think about playing conkers."

Mr Richards not only reintroduced the game - he has also made conkers part of the children's lessons.