THIS is one bunch of people who know how to have a cracking time.

It might look frightening, but believe it or not, whip-cracking is the latest craze sweeping the nation, and Gwent hosted the first national competition on Saturday.

It's a skill movie-makers have paid homage to with the likes of Zorro, who was as adept with a whip as he was with a sword.

And as I found out for myself, it's an art which takes a considerable amount of skill.

The whip-crackers came to the University of Wales, Newport, campus from as far away as Manchester and Eastbourne to compete for a selection of prizes, and browse over a dedicated whip paraphernalia stall, set up by English Whips.

Events ranged from snuffing candles out to splitting a polystyrene cup in half and bursting balloons.

Organiser Peter Gamble, who has cracked whips for ten years, explained the attraction.

"When you get it right it's like a perfect 300-yard drive in golf," said the 52-year-old, who lectures in sport technology.

He added: "It's like an extraordinary burst of energy exploding from your fingertips - we all like the thought of shooting fire from our fingertips, and that's what it feels like."

And when you get that crack just right, the tip of the whip is travelling at around 800 mph.

The art of whip-cracking was developed on the cattle trails in Australia and America, where it is hugely popular as a competitive event.

"These guys used the whips to herd the cattle - they didn't hit the beasts, it was all in the noise," said Mr Gamble.

Well, I was given a chance, and there's more to it than meets the eye.

Speaking of which, protective glasses are a must. A whip can do terrible damage if you don't know what you're doing.

And yes, I managed to crack it. Just.

If you want to take it up, a whip will cost anything from £150 to £500 or more.

For more information, visit www.whipcrackuk. co.uk