WHILE most town markets can be found selling black puddings, one trader at Bury Market prefers throwing them.

Adam Arthern, a porter on Bury Market, is busy training to defend his title as the world’s Black Pudding Throwing Champion.

Adam, from Radcliffe, beat hundreds to scoop last year’s trophy and the £100 cash prize.

Now he and competitors worldwide are warming up for the famous competition at the Royal Oak in Ramsbottom on Sunday.

This year, he is being sponsored by Bury Market, and will be wearing clothing specially commissioned for the event on the big day.

Adam says he has been putting himself through a strict training regime to take home this year’s title.

He said: “There is a great deal of skill involved, and a sharp eye is essential — however, loose clothing is important, as garments that are too tight restrict arm movement and can result in a bad throw.”

The event, now in its seventh year, attracts people from as far as Australia to throw black puddings at a stack of Yorkshire puddings piled on a plinth 20ft off the ground.

Lee Gosling, one of the organisers, said: “We have had lots of interest from overseas and we are expecting the Australians to make a huge effort.”

The annual Pubstock event is being held behind the pub in Bridge Street, featuring bands such as Point Blank, Molly Bloom, Roots Cafe, Das Ringmeisters, Chaos Theory, Dean Casement Trio and Ukelele Punk. The contest is open to entrants on the day between 11am and 5pm, with music until late.

Organisers have been inundated with requests from TV shows, including Sky One’s Market Kitchen, Blue Peter, and producers in Australia and America. Today, Adam is in London filming for ITV’s This Morning, along with Chadwicks’ boss Tony Sinacola. Tony said: “It’s great because we are getting so much publicity which all helps us raise more for charities.”

Guests Rory McGrath and Paddy Guinness, will be taking part for their channel Five extreme sports programme.