THE World Pudding Championship is under threat after the closure of a Rossendale pub.

The competition, which dates back to the 1850s, has been held at the Corner Pin in Stubbins for many years.

Competitors gather from across the world and have to throw black puddings and Yorkshire puddings from the grate in the pub car park and are given three chances.

There are two stories to explain the background to the competition. One is that during the War of the Roses the Lancastrians and the Yorkists ran out of ammunition when they came to Stubbins Bridge and decided to throw food at each other.

The other is that 140 years ago when the Yorkshire mill workers were going to Southport and Blackpool they went through Stubbins and it is unclear whether black puddings or Yorkshire puddings were thrown first.

Lancashire black puddings, specially made by Chadwicks of Bury, are weighed -- they must be 8oz to be competition standard -- and wrapped in ladies tights to avoid messy breakages.

Stubbins councillor Donald Rishton said he would be sorry to see the event cancelled.

Coun Rishton said: "I didn't know it was closed, that surprises me. The competition has been held at the Corner Pin for a number of years now.

"I know it draws quite a lot of people in. A lot of people come from outside the borough, from parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and abroad.

"I think anything like the World Pudding Championship is a good thing, if it's a popular event you want it to go ahead. To lose an event like this would be a shame because so many people enjoy it.

"And, of course, black puddings are characteristic of the area. Bury black puddings are known throughout the county as the best.

The pub in Bolton Road North is now closed and boarded up. A brewery spokesman was today unavailable for comment.