FORGET the traditional Sunday lunch -- it was black puddings on the menu as a Ramsbottom pub revived a world-famous event.

But most of the puddings served up at The Royal Oak were not eaten -- but thrown.

Contestants from as far away as Australia, Poland and France descended on Ramsbottom for the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships.

The contest's future had been in doubt when its former venue closed -- but Royal Oak landlord Stuart Law stepped in to offer it a new home. And the crowds at Sunday's championships were glad that he did.

Bridge Street, in the centre of the town, was closed off to host the championships, in which competitors had to throw the traditional Lancashire delicacy -- made from congealed blood -- to knock down stacks of giant Yorkshire puddings.

Scott Vinning, aged 28, was Australia's representative at the event.

He said: "I'm travelling around England at the moment but when I heard about this, I had to come. I've travelled from Lancaster to be here and it's been great fun.

"I'm just hoping they will add this to the list of Olympic events so I can represent my country in Athens!"

Lis Herron, aged 37, travelled from Salford for the competition.

She said: "It's a quirky way to spend a Sunday afternoon and it's been a fantastic day. I'd definitely come again."

But despite the international flavour, it was homegrown experience that won the day -- with 33-year-old Nick Connor, of Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, crowned champion after knocking down six Yorkshire puddings.

The event has been a tradition in nearby Stubbins since the 1850s. But organisers had to find a new venue for the competition when its old home, the Corner Pin pub, closed in May.

Each competitor paid £1 for three throws and the money raised, which is expected to total more than £1,000, will go to the Stubbins Community Trust.

Mr Law said: "A lot of the regulars started asking if we could keep up the tradition when the Corner Pin closed.

"We didn't want the area to lose the event, and a lot of people rallied around to make the day a success.

"This will definitely be an annual event."

It is believed that the contest has its origins in in clashes between Yorkshire and Lancashire clans.

One legend suggests that, during the War of the Roses, both sides ran out of ammunition and lobbed Yorkshire and black puddings at each other instead. Another claims that the tradition was started by mill workers from the rival counties.