More than 2,000 pies are being sacrificed in the name of fun today as the World Custard Pie Championships return to Kent.

The food fight, which is staged at the same location where it was first held in Coxheath some 51 years ago, will see 32 teams battling it out, armed with custard pies to pelt each other.

Teams of four paraded around the recreation ground in their costumes this afternoon before the competition began.

The championships feature a series of knockout rounds before the grand final later in the day.

There was also a children's wet sponge competition beforehand, which aims to be a training ground for future pie-throwers.

The competition raises funds for a number of local causes and attracts players from across the globe.