Fans of classic comedy computer game Worms are celebrating its 20th birthday with a pub tournament.

Players from Macclesfield will descend on the Park Tavern on Park Lane for the first round on November 28, aiming to reach the final on December 5.

The game involves players controlling teams of worms and taking turns to obliterate each other with a arsenal of weapons ranging from shotguns to exploding sheep.

Although there have been numerous versions of the game, the tournament, which is organised by Entrophy Events, will use Worms: Armageddon on PC which will be shown on a large HD screen.

Jude D’Souza, at Entrophy, said: “Worms is without doubt one of the all-time classics – a uniquely incongruous blend of cartoon cuteness and violent mayhem in which players control teams of cute worms to annihilate one another with bizarre weaponry ranging from holy hand grenades to exploding sheep.

“We’ve teamed up with the company behind the game to celebrate that birthday with a tournament to find the greatest Worms players in Macclesfield.”

It costs just £3 to enter but interested parties should hurry as there are only 16 places available.

First heats will take place on November 28 from 2pm–6pm and eight successful competitors will go through to the next round on December 5, where there will be head-to-head battles to the final.

The contest is completely free to watch, so competitors can bring their friends for moral support or tactical advice.

Park Tavern landlady Rebecca Prunty will be putting on a spread of ‘worm-food’ for the event.

Team17, the British video game company behind Worms, have provided official merchandise which will be used as prizes.

Jude added: “Their generosity has meant that no competitor will walk away empty-handed, whether they go out in the first round or last until the final battle.

“Playing Worms: Armageddon is a real blast from the past.

“I’ve met so many people who immediately get nostalgic at the mere mention of the game.

“Most didn’t realise that Team 17 have continued to maintain it over the years, so it still looks great and runs smoothly on modern PCs.”

To enter visit www.entropyevents.com/worms.