Safety group backs conker contest

More than 350 people contest the World Conker Championships

A health and safety organisation is sponsoring the World Conker Championships this weekend.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health is backing the event because it wants people to see activities such as conkers are not hazardous.

This is the 43rd annual event held at Ashton near Oundle in Northants and organised by the village's conker club.

More than 350 competitors from countries such as Italy, South Africa, Ukraine and Jamaica are taking part.

Also this year a team representing America is among the front-runners.

Chuck Moss, originally from America but now living in Corby, has been taking part in the event for last 15 years and hopes 2007 will be the winning year for his team representing the USA.

"Our team of three is representing America and it's our only chance to be world class athletes.

"I got to the semi-finals three years ago and this year expect to get there again or to the final or even to get knocked out in the first round."

'Bonkers decisions'

The Institute of Occupational Safety and Health is supporting the event to persuade people safety inspectors are concerned with real risk, not everyday activities.

Ray Hurst, the institution's president, said teachers who banned conkers at schools were wrong.

"It's bonkers conkers to them - but we want to dispel some of the sillier stories that crop up.

"Problems are caused by decisions made by local managers, not professional health and safety people - who incidentally get the blame for people's disappointment.

"Kids have been playing conkers quite safely for years.

"Ashton Conkers Club have been running the world championships since 1965 and I don't think they've even had an accident in all those years."