Hundreds of spectators gathered in Bury, Greater Manchester, on Sunday for the return of the annual World Black Pudding Throwing Championships, a tradition running for more than three decades that had been cancelled last year following the death of its long-standing organiser. The quirky contest, reputedly inspired by a 1455 Wars of the Roses battle fought nearby, sees competitors hurl black puddings at Yorkshire puddings balanced atop a 25ft scaffolding tower, with the event drawing families, live music and food stalls to the market town.

Each competitor throws three black puddings in an attempt to knock as many Yorkshire puddings as possible off the tower, with the winner receiving £100, a trophy and the title of World Black Pudding Throwing Champion for the year. This year's event ran from 11am to 5pm and opened with a performance by local band the Bolton Caledonia pipers, with all proceeds donated to Bury Hospice and the Ramsbottom Pantry. The championship had sparked controversy last month after animal rights group PETA Foundation criticised the use of "blood and fat" from pigs and offered to fund vegan alternatives, though organiser Paul Jenkins said vegan options were already available but not compulsory.