Kent teams have faced the cream of international competition today at the World Custard Pie Championships.

The world famous flan-flinging contest, held in Coxheath, saw reigning champions The Grannies defend their title against a dozen teams hungry for the sweet taste of success.

Inspired by Charlie Chaplin, the World Custard Pie Championships have been held in the village since 1967.

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Dreamed up as a way of raising funds for the village hall by councillor Mike FitzGerald, the contest has gone from strength to strength, attracting teams from across the globe.

The rules are simple. The players are divided into teams of four, and each scores points depending on where their thrown pie hits a member of the opposing team.

Every player must throw with their left hand.

The Japanese go head-to-head with The Fairies.

It's one point for an arm, three for the chest and a full six points for a pie in the face.

A player who misses three times has points deducted. The recipe for the pies is a closely guarded secret, but they are said to contain flour and water.

Dozens of people arrived at the Coxheath recreation ground to see the teams go head-to-head.

The Japanese - a team who flew all the way over from Japan for the championships - triumphed and beat The Fairy Cakes in the final.

The international pie throwing group spent yesterday training, but not before stopping for a sirloin steak lunch at The Bull in Linton.

Mr Fitzgerald, who was the lead man for the event, said: "It's been a fantastic day. It's amazing the team came over here, it's so good for Maidstone and so good for Kent. They've been staying at the Premier Inn at Wateringbury, had lunch in Linton and have been really good sports.

"I have to say Brian Mortimer is the man who should be here leading things, but he very sadly fell seriously ill this week but we have heard from him today and we hope he has turned a corner and is on the mend."

The Japanese have promised to return to Coxheath for the 2016 championships in a bid to remain cream of the crop.

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