For the largest food fight on earth look no further than Bunyol's rather fruity fiesta this August.

Every year the population in the sleepy Spanish village near Valencia swells four-fold as La Tomatina sees battle commence - with tomatoes.

Participants arm themselves from a huge 125,000 kilogram arsenal of ripe fruit in the town centre before hurling their missiles at anyone they choose from the 30,000-army of other players.

The rules for the two-hour standoff are straightforward - no other projectiles but tomatoes may be thrown and these must be squished first.

La Tomatina is thought to date back to 1945 when a costumed participant in the town's annual parade was accidentally knocked to his feet by youths. As he vented his wrath, the kids sought revenge by hurling salad grenades at him from a nearby vegetable stall. They have returned every year since in greater numbers.

Bunyol is located 30 miles west of Valencia and surrounded by mountain ranges.