It’s been a world famous flan-flinging contest for decades.

This year the World Custard Pie Championships will have an international flavour with news that a top Japanese team will be flying in to take part in the contest, held in Coxheath.

It’s been more than 20 years since a team from the country last competed in the championships, which over the years have attracted interest from around the world and been featured on television in dozens of countries.

Founder Mike FitzGerald said he was not at liberty to give more details on the team, but said: “‘This is fantastic news, the last time the Japanese were involved was when they made a film about Custard Pies back in 1987.”

It was Maidstone’s stage and TV star Mr Pastry, who lived in Tovil, who advised founders on the original secret pie formula, which is still used today and is what competitors - and occasionally crowd members - get caked in.

More than 1,000 teams have faced eachother since the first in 1967. Teams must throw left handed and hits are scored depending on where they are made on the opposing team’s bodies.

This year’s event will be held in Coxheath on Saturday, June 6. To enter a team of four, call 01622 743270.

For more details of the contest go to www.worldcustardpiechampionship.co.uk