Hundreds of spectators gathered today (September 14) to watch competitors battle it out in the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships.

The annual competition held in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, sees contestants battle it out to knock traditional Yorkshire and Lancashire black puddings off a 20ft high plinth.

Each competitor takes three turns to knock as many off as possible to win the garland of glory - made from black puddings and red roses.

The quirky northern event is said to have been inspired by a 1455 battle in nearby Stubbins during the War of the Roses, fought by the House of Lancaster and the House of York.

The two rivals are said to have run out of ammunition during the bloody rivalry so resorted to throwing food at each other.

Legend has it that combatants from Lancashire picked up local delicacy black pudding, while Yorkshire puddings were used by their rivals from the white rose county.

The event was revived by a pub landlord in the 1980s and now sees thousands flock to the market town to battle it out for the world champion crown.

Competitors of all ages take turns to hurl the delicacy underarm - made from pig's blood - at a 20ft-high plinth in a bid to dislodge a dozen Aunt Bessie Yorkshire puddings.

On the eve of the championships, the black puddings are traditionally "swaddled" in ladies' tights to stop them from bursting on impact."

Participants stand on a golden grid in the town centre and try to knock down as many as possible with their underarm throws.

Competitors taking place today have come from across the globe including Japan, Australia, Peru, Hong Kong and America.

The event had been in doubt this year after event organiser, Phil Taylor, 72, passed away earlier this year.

The winning competitor will take home the Phil Taylor cup, garland of glory, the cap of champions - a hat with a black pudding on its brim. 

Last year's winner Harry Ogden, 18, said the atmosphere was 'amazing'.

Harry, from Salford, added: "People have been clapping after every throw and there's been brilliant sportsmanship. "

"I'm not contesting last year's win today because the guy top of the leader board deserves the win."

"I'm enjoying my day but I'll be back next year."