PUDDINGS at the ready!

The World Black Pudding Throwing Championships is ready to take centre stage in Ramsbottom on Sunday.

Competitors will assemble at The Royal Oak, in Bridge Street, from 11am onwards to compete for the much-vaunted crown.

The infamous golden grid – the square competitors stand on to take their shot – will be escorted to Ramsbottom by girl guides stepping off a steam train from the East Lancashire Railway.

The contest involves throwing black puddings in a bid to dislodge Yorkshire puddings from a 20ft-high ceremonial plinth.

Black pudding throwing has been the result of a long-standing rivalry dating back to 1455, between Lancashire and Yorkshire.

When raiders from Yorkshire met in Stubbins to attack, both sides ran out of things to defend themselves with so food was thrown instead - black puddings from Lancashire and Yorkshire puddings from Yorkshire.

Last year, the contest was won by 63-year-old engineer John Barrett, from Rochdale, who claimed the title from his son-in-law, 2013 winner Huseyin Ozluk.

Mr Barrett knocked 10 puddings from the platform before winning a play-off after tieing with one other thrower.

In addition to the competition, free music festival Pudstock will also kick off in the afternoon with performances from local bands.

Organiser Phil Taylor said: “It’s a great family day out; you don’t even have to spend a penny to enjoy it.

“We’re expecting lots of people to show up this year and hopefully the weather will be kind to us.”

The event will also feature stalls, a bouncy castle and fairground for children.