A charming way to spend the day!

THE 46th Willaston World Worm Charming Championships came to the village once again, taking place in the grounds of Willaston Primary Academy on Derwent Close in Willaston.

- WORDS AND PICTURES BY JONATHAN WHITE

Festivities began with an official plot inspection by the International Federation of Charming Worms and Allied Pastimes (IFCWAP), ensuring all was in order before the charming could commence.

Deputy headteacher and Year 6 teacher Mark Sykes led the countdown, sending participants eagerly into their plots for the 30-minute worm-charming window.

Contestants whether in traditional family plots or rotating team slots had to charm as many worms as they could from their 3x3 metre patches.

From the classic 'twanging' of a garden fork, to bouncing footballs, pogo sticks, skateboards and even a fishing rod with a fake worm, everyone had their own unique technique.

Musical instruments added to the festive feel. A didgeridoo, trombone, pom pom drums and tambourine could be heard throughout the arena.