COMPETITORS from across the globe descended on Ramsbottom yesterday for the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships.

The event attracted nearly 1,000 entries with people from Australia, USA and New Zealand competing alongside East Lancashire residents and people from across the UK.

For the first time, the title and the £100 winner’s prize went to a former champion, Huseyin Ozluk, originally from Turkey and now living in Ramsbottom, who first won in 2009. Yesterday, he held his nerve to win a throw-off after finishing tied with four other people.

The competition sees people pay £1 to throw three black puddings at Yorkshire puddings on a plinth in Bridge Street.

Phil Taylor, one of the organisers for the Stubbins Community Trust, said: “The weather held off and we had a fantastic event. We had a steady stream of people entering and it is great to see so many people getting involved in the event.

“More children and women than ever before have had a go this year and the atmosphere has been excellent.

“It’s a great event for Ramsbottom and it brings a lot of people into the town.”