ONE of the most bizarre world championships in the sporting calendar takes place in Ramsbottom on September 11.

Contestants will compete to dislodge the highest number of Yorkshire puddings from a 20ft-high ledge by throwing three black puddings, supplied by Chadwicks of Bury.

People from all over the world flock to the town to battle it out for a £100 top prize and the honour of being a bona fide world champion.

Among those taking up the challenge will be TV chefs The Hairy Bikers.

Last year’s winner was Terry Ryan, from Gorton in Manchester, who managed to knock six Yorkshire puddings off the ledge. In the junior category, Max Bailey, aged 12, from Bury, was crowned the winner after knocking four puddings off the 10ft-high ledge.

While there are a number of tales as to how the contest started, the most often told says that during the War of the Roses in the 15th century, soldiers ran out of ammunition just outside Ramsbottom and proceeded to hurl food at one another.

The festivities will continue into the evening with the annual Pudstock music event in the Royal Oak car park.

* The World Black Pudding Throwing Championships take place at The Royal Oak, in Bridge Street, Ramsbottom, on Sunday, September 11 from 11am.