DOZENS of worms were 'charmed' from the earth by families at a village's quirky competition.

Residents from Nannerch gathered at the Village Green to draw worms from the grass, with the winning team being the family who collected, or 'charmed,' the highest amount of worms.

Video and images by Beth Hughes

Lots had been marked into 3x3m plots

To ensure no worms were harmed in the fun of the event, organisers established rules such as 'no digging', 'no drugs' and 'no water' as it is considered as a drug or supplement for the creatures.

For 30 minutes, Nannerch was filled with sound and competition as children and parents used vibrations from the radio, jumping up and down, and tapping with trowel and hoes to draw out our wriggly friends.

Charmed worms were then released into soil in the nearby flowerbed after the birds hunted on the evening of the event.

David Jones, event organiser, said the competition took place this year following last year's success, where 72 worms were caught in total.

He said: "The first year we did it, we thought no one would come. But people came with pitchforks, and children were jumping up and down, it was just mayhem.

"We set rules this year to make it more safe and enjoyable. All funds raised from entry fees will go towards the local church, St Michael's and All Angels, and was organised by the church committee.

"It gets children involved in the community with their parents, that's the nice thing."

Steph Doyle, mother of three, agreed it was a great community bonding event. She said: "It raises funds for the church and children really enjoy it."

Lyndsay Wilding was also on hand to cook delicacies on the barbecue, as well as serve tea and coffee, to warm worm charmer on the cold afternoon.

The Wilding family were also crowned winners of the competition, and together as a community, 54 worms were charmed.