THE crisis facing Manchester United and their star player was locally eclipsed this week by the threat to Bury's very own world famous sporting event.

Just like Beckham, the World Black Pudding Throwing Championship is looking for a new home. But whereas the England captain is guaranteed to find a new team, the tradition dating back to the 1850s could be wiped out if a new host is not found.

Closure of the Corner Pin Pub in Stubbins, where the event has been held for nearly 150 years, means the search is on for a new venue. The annual spectacle is a revival of the Lancashire-Yorkshire rivalry with Lancashire black puddings being hurled at the opposition.

One legend suggests the event is based on an incident during the War of the Roses when both armies ran out of ammunition and lobbed food at each other.

Councillor Tim Chamberlain, who is responsible for tourism and economic development, said: "We are hoping that another pub will come forward and offer to save the event which is a unique feature of the area's events calendar."

To help stage the event, contact Adrian Frost on 253 5897.