Ely city centre will be invaded by eels later this month when the third annual Business Eel Throwing Competition takes place.

The question is which local firm has the team to end Whizzle’s domination of the sport over the past two years?

The Sutton-based distribution company have prevailed over all comers since the competition was introduced as part of the annual Ely Eel Day celebrations that will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend (April 30, May 1 and 2).

This year’s event will be held on Friday April 29 as a prelude to the main weekend of fun and now is the time for intrepid teams of up to four people to sign up for the contest, which will take place from 11am.

It will be held on the Market Place and is open to anyone who fancies their chances in this unusual and rather slippery sporting activity.

There is a trophy up for grabs sponsored by Ely Chamber of Commerce.

To enter teams need to complete a form with not only their own individual names but also the team name there are a set of rules, so hopefully no one will slip through the net and win unfairly. These include a designated throwing area, and only a golden eel can be thrown in the final.

Animal-lovers don’t need to worry the contestants will not be throwing real eels, they will be hurling instead specially made toy versions of the river creatures.

The initial rounds see them throwing normal grey coloured toys, but the golden eels come out for the final.

For an entry form or for more information contact Tracey Harding, tourism and town centre manager, on 01353 662062 or 665555 or pop into the tourist information centre at Oliver Cromwell’s House in St Mary’s Street.