COMPETITORS raced against the clock in a bid to be crowned the World Pie Eating Champion.

The celebrated competition took place in Harry’s Bar, Wigan, yesterday, with winner Barry Rigby downing a meat and potato delight in 47 seconds.

The competition pies each measured 12cm wide and 3.5cm deep, and were crafted by Bowen’s Bakery, based in Adlington.

Father-of-two Mr Rigby, aged 36, from Wigan, said after his victory: “This is the proudest day of my life. I think my friends and family will be really pleased for me.

“I love pies, I eat about 10 to 20 in a week.”

Andy Charnock, aged 42, formerly of Atherton, was disappointed that he did not clinch the title.

He said: “I watched it last year and I have been in training since.

“But these were bigger and there was a lot of crust. I will have to keep trying and have another go next year.”

Vince Bowen, of Bowen’s bakery, said: “It is an honour to have been chosen to make the pies.

But he added: “I am from Watford — so I am not sure what people in Wigan might think of the pies being made by a southerner!”