The event, held at the football ground at Abbey Lane, begins at midday – and challenges competitors to prove they are the Doctor Dolittle of the worm world.

Everyone taking part will be handed a 3x3m plot of earth and be given 30 minutes to attempt to charm as many worms out of the ground as possible.

The person or team with the most worms by the end of play is crowned the champion and handed a trophy.

"It's just an eccentric British tradition," said Kay Hayden from the organising committee.

The World Worm Charming Championships are held every year in Willaston, Cheshire.

The Woodhall Spa version is based on that event and will see competitors from all across the country take part.

And if you fancy having a go then it's not too late.
A plot can be yours for £5.

Competitors use lots of different methods to charm their worms – be it music, a trowel or beating an enticing rhythm on the ground.

This year, a group taking part in the Woodhall event have pledged they will recreate the Elvis Presley dance steps from the Nintendo Wii Dance game in a bid to leave the earthworms all shook up.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Woodhall Spa Twinning Association, with the cash being used to take visitors from Roeze sur Sarthe on days out in Lincolnshire, to show them some of the finer aspects of Yellowbelly life.

For further information, log on to www.woodhallworming.moonfruit.com and to book a plot email wsta.secretary@googlemail.com or call 07958 264 587.