AN eight-year-old Ramsbottom boy has become a world champion -- at throwing black puddings!

Sean Taylor, of East View, Stubbins, shared the honour with Australian visitor Jim Rowley at the annual event held at the Corner Pin pub, in Bolton Road North.

Both competitors knocked seven Yorkshire puddings off a plate 20ft high up in the air at the rural pub to see off their rivals in the Kelloggs-sponsored event yesterday.

Sean's dad, Phil, a regular at the pub, said: "I'm absolutely delighted. He's a world champion at eight-years-old. I'm 48 and I've never been a world champion so he has done brilliantly.

"I don't think it has really sunk in for him yet, though. He's a bit embarrassed by it all. But when it does I'm sure he will be very proud."

Jim Rowley, who was denied an outright victory by Sean's exploits, said he was proud to be taking the title back to Australia.

Jim, aged 50, emigrated down under to Brisbane after growing up in Liverpool, but said he was pleased to have taken part in "a very English tradition."

He added: "It was great to just be involved. I am proud to have won - but I have to take my hat off to that little lad who I shared the title with. He did excellently."

Organiser Lee Gosling said: "The event went absolutely brilliantly. For the first time we had winners from two continents and also I'm glad to see the title come back to Stubbins."

Other winners included Clyde Harbottle who won the "On the Verge" award for the most eccentric participant by competing while dressed as a white rabbit.