Almost 2,000 people enjoyed a messy time at the beloved World Custard Pie Championship.

Held in the grounds of Coxheath Village Hall, the challenge saw 21 teams of four competing to land a pie on the opposition.

The winners were EF Girls, who beat Epic Dodgers in the sticky final.

A pie in the face scores the highest points, followed by the shoulder or above, or failing that, anywhere on the body. The pies must be thrown using the contestant's left hand.

The unique event has been running for more than 50 years, but was put on hold in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The recipe for the custard mix is a closely-guarded secret, but does include flour and water.

Organisers make up around 1,500 pies each tournament. This year's championship used exactly 1,032 pies. About 30 flour bags, each weighing 20kg, are added to the mix.

Main organiser Geoff Cooke previously told KentOnline the tip for getting the mixture off is a "cold shower", adding: "If you use a hot shower the stuff sets up with you.

"People do find themselves - and I find it myself, even though I’m not that covered in custard - picking bits of the mix off themselves days after the championship finished.”

The aim of the day is to raise funds for Coxheath Village Hall.

One spectator from today described the grounds as "packed".

As well as the pie throwing contest, there are stalls, food and drink trucks, live music and a bouncy castle.

All the teams dress up in costume and large crowds, including children and dogs, come to watch the flan-flinging fun.

Geoff was immensely pleased of how the event turned out.

He said: "It ran like a dream! It was good to see the community out all together making the most of the day.

"I must thank all the stall holders, the volunteers that helped many of them for the whole day and all the teams. A lot of effort and thought goes into their costumes and they thoroughly enjoy the day. Their enthusiasm for the pie fight is amazing!"

Here's a selection of photos from the fun day:

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