HUNDREDS of excited youngsters are expected to descend on Walberswick on Sunday to take part in the 22nd annual British Crabbing Championships.The fun event has raised thousands of pounds for good causes over the years and organisers are hoping for fine weather to tempt the cunning crustaceans from their watery hideaways.

HUNDREDS of excited youngsters are expected to descend on Walberswick on Sunday to take part in the 22nd annual British Crabbing Championships.

The fun event has raised thousands of pounds for good causes over the years and organisers are hoping for fine weather to tempt the cunning crustaceans from their watery hideaways.

There are strict rules for the eagerly anticipated contest with no nets or hooks allowed.

Instead, those taking part try to lure their prey with a variety of baits on the end of a piece of string and larger specimens are then kept safely in a bucket before being returned to the water at the end of the contest.

Registration at the Ferry Car Park begins at 2pm with a £1 entrance fee for each competitor.

The championship itself takes place from 3pm to 4.30pm followed by the all-important weigh-in and presentation of prizes.

As usual there will be a range of side stalls around the car park selling souvenirs and refreshments.

All the proceeds from this year's championships are being given to Southwold Hospital and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

The winner will be the contestant who catches the single heaviest crab and will receive a trophy, medal, and £50. There are also runners-up prizes of £30, £15, and medals.

All competitors will receive a pot of crab paste courtesy of Shippans, sponsors of the event since 1981.