THE tenth annual Scottish Conker Championships will swing into action this weekend.

And around 100 competitors are yet again expected in Peebles with their prized chestnuts.

The conker championships, which take place on Tweed Green, have been an overwhelming success since their introduction as part of the Tweed Valley Forest Festival.

Last year Steve Whitehorn smashed his way to the adult's title, with Stuart Head claiming the youth prize and Jack Craigen taking the junior prize.

Iain Laidlaw triumphed in the ever-popular rogue competition.

Chris Sawers, who is part of the organising committee, told us: "We are hoping to attract competitors from far and wide for 2016’s Scottish Conker Championships, and have a cracking 10th anniversary."

The cracking of horse chestnuts won't be the only sounds reverberating from Tweed Green on Saturday as the snarl of chainsaws and general delight of festival goers will also fill the air.

The two-day Tweed Valley Festival also offers a huge variety of activities and exhibitions centered on the region's love affair with trees.

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

"There is so much for everyone to do - you can find out about our woodland heritage and the importance of trees in our landscape, have a go on a pole lathe, take part in the conkers or Nailit! and win a fabulous trophy, discover local foods and have plenty of forest based fun with lots of children's activities too!"

This Sunday's entertainment will have a special feature - Go Green on the Green with Tweeddale Youth Action, which is a fun climate change event with comedians and live music.

Saturday's Scottish Conker Championships begin at 12noon on Saturday, with registration opening in the marquee at 11am.

The popular wood market will be open throughout Saturday and Sunday in the Community Hall, and Carvest demonstrations will also operate throughout both days on Tweed Green.

Sunday's Go Green on the Green runs from 12 noon to 5pm.