Hundreds watch the world black pudding throwing contest (From This Is Lancashire)

Hundreds watch the world black pudding throwing contest

9:13am Monday 10th September 2012 in News

IT may not be as fierce as the infamous War of the Roses — but the age-old rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire was again given full vent at the annual World Black Pudding Throwing Championship.

Hundreds of sightseers and competitors descended on Ramsbottom yesterday, not only to witness the quirky annual sporting event, but also to take part.

For £1, they could throw three black puddings, underarm, to try to dislodge as many as possible of the 12 Yorkshire puddings lodged on a 25ft high ledge.

And organisers, the Stubbins Community Trust, were again delighted the event took on a distinct international “flavour.”

Secretary Phil Taylor said: “We’ve had people from Turkey and Italy take part.

“This year, the championship has been brilliant. The weather’s been great and that seems to have brought out the crowds.

“Together with other events going on in Ramsbottom, it’s created a real gala atmosphere.”

Throughout the five-hour event, outside The Oaks pub in Bridge Street, there was a constant queue of people eager to see the Yorkshire puds fall and for Lancashire black puddings to triumph.

Two scaffolds were put up, one for seniors and the other for juniors.

This year’s winner was Alan Cunliffe, aged 65, from Greenmount, Bury.

One visitor who tried her hand was Sara Townsend-Cartwright, aged 33, but her debut throw failed to knock down any Yorkshire puds.

She said: “I’ve come all the way from Coventry especially to take part. There’s nothing like this elsewhere. It’s a fantastic event.”

Another competitor from nearer home also saw his three throws fail to hit their target.

Stewart Butler, aged 48, of Smithills Hall Close, Ramsbottom, said: “This is the second time I’ve taken part. I did it last year, but again didn’t dislodge any. And I so wanted to knock down the Yorkshire puddings.”

Families soaked up the sun and atmosphere in the town centre and listened to entertainment provided by several bands.