A messy but popular event will be back this year splat bang in the middle of the summer.

The World Custard Pie Championships will return to Coxheath near Maidstone on Saturday, June 6.

The flan-flinging contest pitches teams of four - often in fancy dress - throwing custard pies at eachother.

Teams must adhere to 13 stringent rules, which include only throwing left handed and points are awarded on the basis of where they hit opponents - the top six points goes to a direct hit squarely in the opponent's face.

The recipe for the custard, however, has been kept a closely-guarded secret since its the contest’s inception in 1967, also in Coxheath. It is still organised by founder Mike FitzGerald.

He said: "I am just as excited now about the World Custard Pie Championships as I was when we first started out on this journey some 47 years ago.

"I'm pleased we control the number of teams taking part as it makes it more exciting for the contestant who have at least two games before the knockout. In 1987 I think we had some 77 teams - great colour and spectacle but people travelled miles for a single game."

He added: "I do find the compering leaves me quite drained and exhausted as I get older but that is the only downside."

This year’s fancy dress theme is Victorian costume, or clothes which might be worn in the 2020s.

To register, email Brian Mortimer at theworldcustardpiechampionship@gmail.com