THE Tweed Valley yet again hosted a cracking Scottish Conker Championships at the weekend with competitors arriving from across the UK.

Now in its tenth year, the chestnut championships have become the highlight of the already successful Tweed valley Forest Festival.

Throughout Saturday afternoon around 100 competitors cracked and swung in the four knock-out competitions in Peebles.

But there can only be one winner in each to add their names to the growing hall of fame.

Maurice Hurrell from Clackmannanshire triumphed over Dalkeith's Steven Duncan in the final of the adults competition to take the title for a record fourth time.

Jamie Bruce, who is only eight years old, produced an all-conquering display to win the final of the Junior category.

And it was Eleanor Lee who was crowned the Youth category champion.

The ever-popular Rogue competition was eventually won by yet again Iain Laidlaw, who had lifted the same trophy last year.

Chris Sawers, who is part of the organising committee, told us: "We attracted competitors from far and wide for 2016’s Scottish Conker Championships, and it was cracking 10th anniversary."

The cracking of horse chestnuts wasn't be the only sound reverberating from Tweed Green on Saturday as the snarl of chainsaws and general delight of festival goers was also in the air.

Chainsaw artists Pete Bowsher and Jonny Stableford yet again thrilled festival-goers with their wood carvings on Tweed Green.

And within the neighbouring Burgh Hall many of the region's most talented woodworkers and carpenters displayed and sold their wares.

Chris added: "There was a variety of wood related activities including chainsaw carving, green wood workers and wonderful wooden objects direct from the makers.

"People could find out about our woodland heritage and the importance of trees in our landscape, as well as having a go on a pole lathe.

"They could also discover local foods and have plenty of forest based fun."

Sunday's Forest Festival entertainment enjoyed a new twist this year with Go Green on the Green with Tweeddale Youth Action.

The fun climate change even throughout Sunday afternoon featured comedians and live music.