The wet weather failed to put hundreds of spectators off from attending the World Marble Championships.

More than 200 people braved the rain to watch the contest be played out under a gazebo.

The annual event is the biggest date in the game's calendar and has been taking place at the Greyhound Inn in Tinsley Green, near Crawley, on Good Friday since 1932.

In the contest, teams made up of six people each take to the marble ring in a series of knock-out rounds.

Contestants must abide by a strict set of rules, with the object of the game being to knock all 49 marbles from the ring using a larger marble known as a tolley.

Event organiser Julia McCarthy-Fox said 18 teams were competing this year, including two from Germany.

Another contest, where 13 individuals play against each other, was also taking place, along with a separate competition for over- 50s, which had a record number of 31 competitors today.

Steve Jenkins, who was playing both as an individual in the over-50s competition and with his team, the Black Dogs, said the game was a “thriving” sport.

Mr Jenkins, 51, said: “I've been coming to the competition for 30 years and you see the same old faces. You can't beat the friendly, family atmosphere.

“The Black Dogs have won 13 times. We're all getting on a bit but we're still raring to go.”

He said anyone can join in the contest, with two players under the age of 16 competing this year.

He said: “If someone turns up in the morning and wants to play we will always accommodate them.

“But once you get to the quarter and semi-finals, then it starts to get taken more seriously.”

No cheating is allowed, and competitors who are found guilty more than twice of fudging or cabbaging - names for different types of fouls - are disqualified.

The competitor from furthest afield was Neil White, who travelled from the US to take part in the contest.

Mr White, 49, moved to Denver, Colorado, three years ago but said he always makes sure he returns for the annual competition.

He said: “I always combine it (the competition) with my vacation, and play marbles and catch up with my friends and family at the same time.

“It's an incredibly sociable occasion, you can't beat it.”

When asked what skills were needed to make a good marbles player, he said: “Don't get too drunk, but get drunk enough.”