THE age-old rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire was rekindled in Ramsbottom yesterday for the official World Black Pudding Throwing Championships.

Hundreds travelled from across the country — and beyond — to be part of the quirky symbolic tradition which has its origins the War of the Roses.

Competitors attempted to dislodge giant Yorkshire puddings from a 20ft high plinth by throwing black puddings — prices at £1 for three — as hard as they could with the winner being the one who knocks down the most.

Tyler Knowles, aged 25, from Vancouver, was over visiting his girlfriend in Chorley and after spotting the event on the internet was determined to be a part of it.

He said: “I have been coming here for about 14 years and really like black puddings, you always have them with a full English.

“I was researching what was in them and saw the event mentioned online so I had to come.”

Girlfriend Dani Smith, aged 27, who also had a go, added: “I thought he was crazy when he asked me, and it is a good event.”

Husband and wife team Marion and George Keir travelled from Scotland for the event.

Mrs Keir, aged 66, said: “I had heard about it on Twitter and was eager to be a part of it.”

The two said they would be taking black puddings home with them.

Children also helped keep the tradition alive.

And Emma Lowthian left the boys standing knocking down five puds.

The 11-year-old from Hawkshaw said: “I’m really happy. I came because it is fun and I was really surprised with how many I managed to knock down.”

Tom Ireland , aged nine, from Ramsbottom managed to dislodge four.

He said: “I’m helping out and there are definitely more people here than last year.

“I took part because I am local and it is good tradition.”

The championship, which commemorates Lancastrians who repelled raiding parties from Yorkshire during the War of the Roses, has been organised by the Stubbins Community Trust since 1984.

Co-organiser Chris Woolfall, said: “It has been going really well and it is good for the town.

“I have been doing this for about 20 years and I think it is popular because it is something quirky.”