by Jan Thom

Shivers were timbered and hearties a-hoyed at the best yet World Walking the Plank Championships which drew record crowds to a sunbaked quay on Sunday.

Records were smashed too in the number of madcap plankers taking part, and the amount raised through entry fees and a generous collection on Queenborough quay.

Chemical analyst “Mad Mike” Young proved he had the winning formula when he scored top marks.

Mike, of Parsonage Chase, Minster, landed a hat trick after scooping top honours in 2002 and 2004, notching 102 points out of a possible 120.

The 57-year-old said: “This was one small step for mankind but a giant leap for plankers. I am over the moon.”

He jumped off the plank with his “pogo of death” after setting fire to his top hat.

For the full story, with THREE pages of pictures, don't miss this week's Times Guardian, out Wednesday.