A BLACKBURN man beat more than 60 people in a drinking competition in a Darwen pub to win a trip to Amsterdam.

Thomas Culligan, of Lynthorpe Road, won Bar Java's yard of ale contest with a time of five seconds.

He downed the measure at the pub on Wellington Fold twice as quickly as his nearest competitor, who managed only 9.9 seconds.

The competition was open to men and women and the winner was the person who could throw the measure down their neck in the shortest time.

In the event of a tie, the person with the least amount of spillage would be the winner.

The competition attracted more than 300 competitors and the organisers said it boosted trade and was the talk of the town.

Tom said: "I'm as happy as Larry. I've always been able to drink fast and I think that I could beat my record of five seconds. Is anyone up for it?"

Julia Bracewell, manageress of Bar Java, said: "Although the yard of ale wasn't the proper measure of two-and-a-half pints it's a mean feat nonetheless."

The pub also ran a free prize with prizes of a free pampering at Body Perfect in Darwen and a £50 Althams travel voucher.