The World Conker Championships took place Southwick, Northamptonshire yesterday and saw Britain's best swingers go head to head in a brutal battle to prove who had the hardest nut

Daily Star reporter Alistair Grant put his nuts on the line as he took a swing for glory at the World Conker Championships.

He made it all the way to the final 16 – taking on any number of colourful characters at Britain’s most bonkers day out. They included ITV sports presenter Mark Pougatch and a giant chicken.

Alistair was cheered on by TV sports host John Inverdale, as well as an audience of Chelsea Pensioners. Speaking after the event in Southwick, Northamptonshire, he said: “I blitzed through the early rounds, but suffered nasty hits from my own conker, bruising my forearm.

“Then I fell in a sudden death shoot out on the brink of the quarter finals.”

Tech salesperson Frankie Hooper, 28, from Maida Vale, West London, was finally crowned conkers champ in front of 2,500 fans at the 61st annual competition. She beat Simon Griffiths in the grand final.

The hard nut also knocked Pougatch out in the first round, later admitting: "I can't believe it. It was only my second time competing, but I hit hard and somehow did it."

To prepare for the contest, Alistair took on some sage advice from Jim Packer, the official King Conker himself. He was officially ‘crowned’ at yesterday’s event, replacing David Jakins, who previously did the job for two decades.

Reprising her role from the coronation of King Charles, ex-MP Dame Penny Mordaunt was there to do the honours. She also gave her blessing to Jakins’ daughter Fee Aylmore, who will serve as Queen Conker.

Jim, who is the organising group’s chairman, said of his new role: “I have big boots to fill, but now I know how King Charlie feels.”