COMEDIAN Paddy McGuinness joined a crowd of thousands yesterday for the Official World Black Pudding Throwing Championships.

The Farnworth-born funnyman was competing in the event, held at the Royal Oak in Ramsbottom, as part of a new television series.

Rory and Paddy’s Greater British Adventure, which co-stars Rory McGrath, sees the pair touring the UK for bizarre sporting events.

Paddy said: “It’s the first time I’ve been part of it and it’s great. I’m pretty pleased with my attempt, I tickled the puds.

“It’s just a fun event, the weather is nice and the community are all out raising a few quid for charity.”

The annual event sees competitors try to dislodge the most giant Yorkshire puddings off a 20ft high plinth with six throws of a black pudding. Paddy managed to knock off three puddings.

However, the trophy and £100 cash prize was won by welder Huseyin Ozluk, originally from Turkey and now living with wife Rachel in Ramsbottom, who knocked off nine puds.

Mr Ozluk, aged 40, said: “I came fourth last year so I’m so happy to win. My family in Turkey will not believe it, hopefully they can come and watch next year.”

In the juniors, Kiel Speke, aged 10, from Haslingden, scooped first place after taking down five from a 10ft plinth.

The event is organised by the Stubbins Community Trust and was held at the Corner Pin pub, Stubbins, until 2002, with funds being distributed to various local charities.

The annual Pudstock event, now in its sixth year, was taking place behind the Royal Oak, featuring a host of bands until late.

A Facebook group has been set up to make black pudding throwing an Olympic event for the 2012 London games.

Creator Lee Gosling, a member of Stubbins Community Trust, said: “We are trying to raise the profile of black pudding throwing and have it recognised, if not as an official event, at the least as part of the opening ceremonies to celebrate the diversity of the British.”

Paddy’s throwing attempts can be seen when the episode is screened in January next year.

Click here to view and buy pictures from our Black Pudding Throwing Championships photo gallery.