Christmas tree flingers winners announced

Competitors got into the festive spirit by chucking a Norway spruce as far as they could

People have taken part in a Christmas tree throwing challenge in East Sussex.

Competitors were invited to throw a Christmas tree as far as possible at Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm, near Battle, on Sunday afternoon.

The men's title was won by Daniel Davey of Bexhill who threw 11.1m (36.4ft), just short of the current world record of 12m (39.4ft), but beating last year's winning throw of 10.56m (34.6ft).

Becky Palmer retained her title in the women's category with a throw of 7.5m (24.6ft) - beating her winning throw last year by about a metre.

Organisers were hoping this year could produce a record-breaking throw

Competitors had to throw a 6ft (1.8m) Norway spruce as far as possible, with the winner claiming a £150 prize.

Entrants were allowed three attempts and had to be aged 18 or over.

Christmas tree farmer Clive Collins said: “Practice makes perfect and people can always try using a brush or mop to sharpen your technique."

Mr Collins recommended a “javelin-throwing approach as that seems to get the best distance".

He added: “Christmas tree throwing is now firmly in our annual calendar of events. We had a lot of festive fun last year and it became quite competitive with a large crowd of family and friends watching the contest."

Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm opened for the festive season on Friday.