COMPETITORS came from all over the country and indeed the world but it took a local man to show them the way.

David McCabe, 21, a military policeman with the RAF beat off rivals from as far afield as Germany, Jamaica and South Africa to be crowned the first World Black Pudding Throwing champion of the new millennium.

Originally from Bacup but now based in Wycombe, he managed to knock off four of a possible 21 Yorkshire puddings with his carefully aimed black pudding at the championship, held at the Corner Pin pub in Stubbins.

David, who was in the area to visit his parents, of Peel Drive, Bacup, had reached the final with Linda McGuigan from Milnrow, after they had tied 4-4 and in a tense shoot-out David was crowned victorious.

"It was the first time I had entered and I just turned up and had a go," said the modest champion. "It was a great day and I'll definitely be defending my honour next year."

More than 200 people, egged on by another 100 spectators, gathered for the championships, which was the first one in four years after a change of owners at the Bolton Road North pub.

Landlord Darren Tingle said: "I expected a lot of people to turn up but it far exceeded my expectations. I joined in but unfortunately missed every one."

The idea of the competition is to knock off as many of the 21 Yorkshire puddings as possible, which are perched 18ft high on a metal plinth secured to the side of the pub. David received a trophy and certificate.

Picture: Landlord Darren Tingle tries his hand.