King comes to the rescue of World Conker Championships

King Charles has saved the World Conker Championships on the eve of its 60th anniversary.

Organisers have claimed a package of more than 300 chestnuts was delivered by Windsor Castle amid fears a shortage could result in the competition being called off.

St John Burkett, a championship committee member, said: “It was a real joy to have conkers sent to us this time.

“The Windsor Castle delivery was of really good quality. They were fantastic, they were the ones that really ensured we could go ahead.”

There had been concerns that the event could be cancelled after collectors reported large, competition-standard conkers were in short supply.

But an improvement in weather conditions, as well as imported deliveries of conkers from both France and Italy, has helped ensure the event can go ahead.

Mr Burkett said the donation from Windsor Castle had been “picked from the castle grounds and sent via the public relations department”.

He added: “Intriguingly, we don’t know who picked them, but like to imagine it might have been the King, at least for a few.

“We are extremely grateful, and can already say a conker from Royal Windsor will win the final, as we have reserved them to be used in the finals.”

Charles Whalley, one of the organisers, told The Telegraph: “We’ve just had conkers from everywhere. It’s been quite extraordinary.

“It just sort of sums up the love for the championships. We’ve had them from all over Europe, Italy and France.

“We’ve just had so many emails from people offering conkers, saying plenty here, come and get them, or we can send them to you.

“With the support from Europe and what’s left in the trees at the moment, we are delighted to say that all is good.”

The annual World Conker Championships (WCC) will be held on Sunday in Southwick, Northamptonshire.

The WCC began in 1965 and is expected to welcome around 2,000 spectators.

Last year’s championships were embroiled in scandal after the men’s winner, David Jakins, was accused of swapping his real conker for a metal one.

Mr Jakins, a conker competitor since 1977, denied the claims and was cleared of cheating after an investigation concluded he “achieved his title fairly”.

Windsor Castle has been contacted for comment.

[Source: Daily Telegraph]