COMPETITORS are preparing for the annual World Black Pudding Throwing Championships in Ramsbottom this weekend.

The popular event brings thousands of people to the streets of the town to watch black puddings being thrown on to a 20ft platform with the aim of knocking off Yorkshire puddings.

The championship dates back to the War of the Roses where legend has it that after the troops had ran out of ammunition in the final battle in Stubbins they resorted to throwing food at each other.

Black pudding was thrown by Lancashire troops and Yorkshire Puddings were thrown by Yorkshire troops.

A decision was made to bring back the tradition by Stubbins Community Trust in 1984 and it has been a popular event ever since.

Participants have three attempts to knock down as many of the 12 Yorkshire Puddings as possible and must be throw underarm. The winner is the person who manages to knock the most Yorkshire Puddings off.

It starts outside The Oaks pub in Bridge Street at 11am on Sunday September 11.

Organiser Phil Taylor said: "It's a good laugh and I have seen people of all ages getting involved, we have had children under the age of one who can barely stand up and a man over 90.

"It's a good traditional event and the idea is that it is like an old village fete, it's a fun day for all of the family."

The day's events will begin at 10.45am when the famous golden grid, the square that throwers stand on to take their shots, will be escorted into the town centre from the train station by Bury Girl Guides.

The competition will begin at 11am when Mayor of Bury Cllr Mike Connolly will throw the first black pudding.

It will run until 4pm when a World Champion will be crowned.

In the event of a tie there will be a throw off.

Adult competitors will be knocking the Yorkshire Puddings off a 20ft plinth while the junior competition is 10ft.

There is a £100 prize for the winner of the adult competition and £20 prize for the junior competition.

Competitors are asked to make a £1 charity donation.

After the throwing, Pudfest, a local music festival, will be held in the rear of The Oaks.

In addition to the competition there will be plenty going on for all the family including children's rides, a farmer's market and food and drink stalls.