NOW that the Olympics are over, the eyes of the sporting world will be fixed on Ramsbottom as the town prepares to hold its own world championships -- in black pudding throwing.

To be held at the Royal Oak pub on Sunday, starting at noon, the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships has once again attract interest from across the globe

Stuart Law, the licensee of the Bridge Street pub, said: "We have people coming from all over.

"A lot of them build the event into their holiday and we are likely to have an Australian, a Dutchman and many others too."

The tradition has been held in Lancashire for the past 150 years, and this will be the second time it has been held at The Royal Oak.

It is believed the contest is a revival of the Lancashire-Yorkshire rivalry.

One legend says that the event is based on an incident during the War of the Roses, when both armies ran out of ammunition and threw food at each other!

Stuart said the contest gets "bigger and bigger all the time".

He said: "There are so many local companies as well that give their backing and support, for which we are very grateful."

Competitors will aim to knock down as many stacked Yorkshire puddings as they can from scaffolding specially erected for the contest. The winner will receive £100.

As well as the contest, local bands such as Badger and Ringmeister will be performing on the day. There will be motor shows from Crusaders Motorbike Club and American Army Jeeps.

Last year's winner was Ramsbottom's very own Nick Connor, with Stuart in second place.

"But this year I've got to try and get the hundred quid," laughed Stuart.

The competition is open to anyone on the day -- with three black puddings for a £1. All money raised will go to the Stubbins Community Trust.