We're the top toad tossers

Forty-eight teams battled it out.

This year's winners were from the Kings Head, in Southover High Street, a team of underdogs who overturned all expectations and swept away all before them to take the title.

John Lilley, captain of the King's Head team, said he was surprised to take the coveted title.

He said: 'We were not expecting much because last year we were knocked out in the first round.'

Ken Shipway, president of Lewes Lions, which organised the event, said: 'It was a great evening.

'We had players from Plymouth and London.

'Money raised by the evening will go towards community development in Lewes and the surrounding area.

'It will also help national and international causes such as cancer research and helping victims of international disasters.

'Next year we hope to have 64 teams playing over two nights.

'I would invite people to contact us now if they want to take part.'

The Mayor of Lewes, Cllr Merlin Milner, entered a council team for the first time, as well as performing the traditional mayoral ceremony of the first toad.

But his team was knocked out after only two matches.

Mr Shipway said: 'Its seems the bug has bit and further mayor's teams can be expected in future years.'

Toad tossing has a long and colourful history.

The origins of the 100-year--old game are unknown but it comes from the Lewes and Newhaven area.

The toad, a brass disc, is lobbed into a hole into a wooden box on four legs.

The idea is to throw the toads over eight feet into the hole.

Today the game is thriving thanks to Lewes Lion Club which has run competitions for the past 13 years.

* LEWES Lions club has also started a new '9-pin quoits' competition which involves throwing hoops onto pegs.

The competition starts on September 26, and for more information contact Ken Shipway on 01273 585 989.