On Sunday 9 October, the City of London Corporation isattempting to break the Guinness World Record for staging thebiggest ever knock-out conker competition on Hampstead Heath. Theevent isfree and conker players of all ages are welcome tohelp the Heath become a record-breaker.

On the day, the conker-meister will lead participants throughtheir paces. There will be knock-out rounds for five categories "under-fives, 5-8 years, 8-12 years, 13-16 years and adults. Thewinner of each final will receive a trophy.

The Guinness World Record attempt will take place at 3pm at theend of the annual Hampstead Heath Heritage Day festival whichcelebrates the social and natural history of Hampstead Heath.

Starting at 11am at the Parliament Hill Bandstand, events willinclude welly-wanging, archery, meet-a-sheep, pole-lathedemonstrations, felt-making, bush-craft, bee-keeper demonstrations,morris dancing and more.

Last year"s conker championships drew a crowd just shy of 300participants. The current Guinness World Records title forthe largest conker championships is held by the World ConkerChampionships at its 1999 event at which 300 contestants competedat Ashton, Northamptonshire.

Paul Maskell, Leisure and Events Manager at Hampstead Heath,said: "The Hampstead Heath conker championships get more popularwith each year and now we are going for the world record. We"llprovide the conkers, so come down, get involved and let"s make thisa great day for Hampstead Heath."The all-ages contest has become one of the most popular eventson the Heath, inspiring everyone from the deeply competitive tothose just up for a bit of fun.

Cost - free Where - Parliament Hill Bandstand, Hampstead Heath, NW5 When - Sunday 9 October, 11am-4pm Conker championships -3pm Transport -Kentish Town tube (Northern Line), Gospel Oakoverground station. Enquiries - Hampstead Heath Education Centre " 020 7432 7073