HUNDREDS gathered to see if they could rise to the challenge - but cutting the mustard in the World Black Pudding Throwing Championship was harder than it looked.

Participants took aim at 12 Yorkshire puddings perched on a ledge mounted 20ft above the road on scaffolding.

Competitors tried to knock off as many as possible, with the record being seven. It required a mixture of luck and power that was lacking in most who were brave enough to take a shot.

Still, there was no shortage of competitors at the annual event, held in Ramsbottom on Sunday.

The event was previously held at the corner pin pub in Stubbins.

Stuart Law, landlord of the Royal Oak which hosted the wacky contest, said: "It's always a successful event.

"This is the third time we've hosted it. Last year we had 500 competitors and we raised about £1,000 for the Stubbins Community Trust.

"It's always such a good day. People have fun and the throwing is open to anyone. They've only got to pay £1."

In years past the event has attracted competitors from as far afield as Australia.

"This event has led to me being on Australian radio three times and on the American media. It's also attracted attention from regional and national TV in England," said Mr Law.

Youngsters lined up for a chance to win the juniors' £20 cash prize and medal.

Mayor of Bury, Cllr Steven Treadgold, appeared to compete for the adults' £100 prize.

After throwing three wayward black puddings he said: "It's much harder than it looks, you know. It is a very good event for the area and every year it attracts more and more people. I've been before but that was the first time I've ever had a go."

The adult winner was Mark Greaves from Ramsbottom, while the junior winner was Joe Davies, also from Ramsbottom.

Co-organiser Chris Woolfall, aged 53, of Ramsbottom, said the unusual event had an interesting history.

"It has a 150 year tradition," he said. It was allegedly started by Yorkshire mill workers who'd been here to work and were on their way back to Yorkshire.

"They were challenged by locals who grew the event into a sport and there was bitter rivalry. This is the only official black pudding throwing event there is."