A new king of the conkers has been crowned at a riverside pub event that saw competitors have a smashing time.

The Waveney Valley Conker Tournament was hosted at The Locks Inn at Geldeston, near Beccles, on Sunday.

The competition involved intense games of conkers in a boxing ring and marked the end of the summer hours at The Locks Inn.

Dhugal Harrison was crowned the champion, usurping 2023's winner Carl Murray, and Bean Cousins won the junior champion section.

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The nail-biting quarter final this yearThe nail-biting quarter final this year (Image: Waveney Valley Conker Tournament)

Host and referee, Yanny Mac, said the day was “fantastic” with “a couple of hundred people” attending the event.

He added: "I am immensely proud of how far the tournament has come.

“It's the shining light of the sporting events and social occasions in the Waveney Valley.

“Long may it continue."

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The competition raised £60 for Emmaus Waveney's Walk of Kindness fundraising event.

Sunday's event also saw youngster Brooke win the best dressed conker category and was the 18th edition of the tournament.

Carl Murray was the 2023 winner for the senior championshipsCarl Murray was the 2023 winner for the senior championships (Image: Waveney Valley Conker Tournament) READ MORE: Joy and heartbreak as conkers tournament returns to riverside pub

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Music entertainment was provided by Owl and Wolves and pre-threaded conkers were available for anybody who didn’t have their own.

Mr Mac started the competition with his friends from university when they wanted to play a game of conkers and it snowballed from there. 

He said: “We are now the second largest conker tournament in the world.”

The World Conker Championships will be held in Southwick, near Corby in Northamptonshire October 13. 

James Packer, chairman of the World Conker Championships, said they had raised more than £400,000 for charity since starting in 1965.