CRASHING sounds of metal on metal disturbed the tranquility of a quaint Suffolk village as robotic warriors slugged in out in the ring.Debenham is perhaps an unlikely setting for Robot Rumble – two days of human controlled machines trying to destroy each other.

By Matt Eley

CRASHING sounds of metal on metal disturbed the tranquility of a quaint Suffolk village as robotic warriors slugged in out in the ring.

Debenham is perhaps an unlikely setting for Robot Rumble – two days of human controlled machines trying to destroy each other.

The event, which took place over the weekend, is based on the hugely popular BBC 2 television show Robot Wars.

Many of the competitors who have appeared on the programme were in Suffolk to battle it out for the title of top bot.

Robot Rumble first took place last year and, judging by the size of the crowds who watched the spectacle this time round, it will become something of a tradition.

Over the two days 500 enthusiasts were expected to fill the specially prepared arena at Debenham Leisure Centre – making the event the biggest of its kind away from the television show.

While the seating area filled up with people of all ages the roboteers were either battling in the arena or busily making final adjustments to their imaginatively named machines in the pit-stop.

For those who are unfamiliar with the programme, the idea is that two robots, steered by remote controls, fight until one is declared the winner.

Fans of the show at Debenham were able to spot 'celebrity' robots in action, such, Cassius III, Chaos II, Storm and Stinger.

The event organisers Eddy and Roy Alcock, from Felixstowe, were clearly thrilled with the success of the weekend.

Eddy said: "This is our second year and things are going really well. It's the biggest of event of it's kind in the UK.

"There are more than 40 robots competing and people have come from all over the country to take part."

The two members of The Domeheads team, travelled from Surrey and Hampshire for the weekend.

Domehead Dave Sweeney said: "We started doing this about two years ago and it does get addictive. We managed to get on TV and the show will be screened later in the year.

"This is a really good event and in a very nice rural part of the world as well."

He continued to explain the appeal of the battles, "It's fun but it does get competitive too. I think everyone who comes here has ideas about winning."