HUNDREDS of black pudding lovers from across the world descended on Ramsbottom for the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships.

People from as far away as New Zealand, Russia, Germany and Norway flocked to the Royal Oak pub, in Bridge Street, to take part in the wacky sport and watch the town's experts flex their muscles.

More than 200 black puddings were hurled into the sunny skies as competitors stepped up to the Golden Grid and aimed to knock 12 giant Yorkshire puddings from 20ft scaffolding - armed only with a black pudding wrapped in women's tights.

And this year's junior world champion, 12-year-old Alex Ormrod, from Dalton Fold in Westhoughton, beat the world record by knocking an incredible nine Yorkshire puddings from a 12ft height which was set up for younger competitors.

Alex said: "I can't believe it. This is the first time I've come to the Championships and I think I might have found a new talent. I'm looking forward to taking my trophy in to school and showing all my friends. The headteacher might even get me up in assembly for a special presentation."

The 2006 adult world champion was newcomer Dave Jones, aged 22, who is a shop manager and had made the journey from his home in mid-Wales to take part.

Mr Jones was given £100 in prize money for knocking six Yorkshire puddings from the scaffolding.

He said: "My brother lives in Manchester and told me about the championships. I thought it sounded like fun and wanted to have a go, but I never expected to win.

"I am a fan of black puddings so I'll be celebrating with a pudding and a pint. I'm going to have to come back next year to defend my title."

The contest has become a highlight in the town's calendar and has drawn hundreds of supporters to Bridge Street since it moved there three years ago when its original home, The Corner Pin pub in Stubbins, closed.

There are several stories behind the origins of the contest, with the most popular dating back to the 1450s and the War of the Roses, when both Lancashire and Yorkshire armies ran out of ammunition and threw food instead.

It is now sponsored by Chadwick's Bury Black Puddings and competitors travel from across the world to take part and attempt to break the world record of seven Yorkshire puddings from a 20ft height.

Norwegian Odde Olsen, aged 42, has been taking part for three years but is yet to knock down more than three Yorkshires.

He said: "I didn't do too badly the first time I took part but I'm upping my game every year. It's a hard competition. There's a lot of luck involved but a lot of fun to be had too."

Event organiser Chris Woolfall, of the Stubbins Community Trust, said: "The Championships have been a fantastic success this year and we've had more interest than ever from the world over."