WATCH: How South Staffordshire's Nick became Black Pudding throwing world champion
The West Midlands has a new world champion – in the sport of black pudding throwing.
Nick Pennell, 45, from Wombourne, has visited the market town of Ramsbottom in Bury once a year for the last four years to compete in the official World Black Pudding Throwing Championship.
Having come close in the past to taking home the crown of best thrower, Nick took his efforts to a new level this year and beat competitors from all over the world to win top prize.
The sport involves competitors standing 20 feet away from a 20ft high plinth with 12 Yorkshire puddings placed at the top.
To win, they must knock down as many Yorkshire puddings as possible by throwing a six and a half ounce black pudding wrapped in tights up the plinth.
As the day neared its close, four competitors were tied on a total of three, before Nick stepped up to the plate and took five down.
Watch Nick in action: Video via BritClip.
The IT worker said of his success: "I would like to say I put in extra training but I didn't really do that much I just made sure my arm was nice and loose ready for my throw.
"Me and my friends come down every year because it is a great day out and it is a real English eccentric activity.
"Where else could you get away with standing in the street throwing black puddings at Yorkshire puddings all in the name of having a laugh?
"I celebrated with a few pints with the lads and I can say that I will 100 per cent be back to defend my crown next year."
Organiser Phil Taylor said that competitors for this years event came from all over the world, including Canada, Australia and Lithuania to take part.
The concept plays on the centuries old grudge between the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Pudding throwing is said to date back to the Wars of the Roses. In 1455, the Houses of Lancaster and York were pitched in battle near Stubbins, just north of Ramsbottom.
Both armies ran out of ammunition so the Lancashire side hurled black puddings and their foes threw Yorkshire puddings.
The annual competition started in the 1980s and has been a hit ever since.
Phil said: "It is just a good bit of old fashioned fun but we do always get a great crowd and it amazed me that people come from all over the world to take part. Nick is a good lad and I congratulate him on his victory."
