THE War of the Roses, Stubbins-style, saw crowds flock to hurl Lancashire black puddings at Yorkshire puds in a tradition dating back 140 years!

The Corner Pin pub, which itself dates from the 1850s, was the venue once again for the World Black Pudding Championships which have put the village on the map.

Phil Taylor, one of the organisers, has even suggested to officials organising the Commonwealth Games in Manchester next year that it be included as a demonstration sport. He joked: "It has a lot more validity than synchronised swimming!"

At the Bolton Road North pub the serious matter of the championships are not to be laughed at.

Twelve large Yorkshire puddings are carefully placed on a platform attached to the pub wall.

Meanwhile 150 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 breakages.

Competitors have to throw from the grate in the car park and get three tries for £1 to dislodge the Yorkshire puds. The money goes to charity.

Phil said: "There are two stories to explain the background. 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 threw food at each other.

"The other is that 140 years ago, Yorkshire millworkers came through here on their way to Southport and Blackpool. It's unclear whether we threw black puddings at them or they threw Yorkshire puddings at us first!"