Meet the champion gurners of Cumbria

It was hideous faces galore at the World Gurning Championships at the Egremont Crab Fair. The rules have changed little over the years and are quite simple - to impress the judges, you must distort your face as much as humanly possible.

Founded in 1267, the Crab Fair is the biggest date in the historical Cumbrian market town's calendar.

This year's festivities took place on Saturday, where some of the faces on display seemed to defy the laws of physics.

There is no definite answer on how or why gurning became a tradition in Egremont, but it is generally agreed that it is one of few competitive spaces where having no teeth is absolutely regarded as an advantage.

Claire Lister won in the women's category, her eighth victory, and for the 19th time, Tommy Mattinson was crowned men's champion.

Claire Lister won the women's category for the eighth time

A sports field hosts dog shows, vegetable competitions and live music, but the main attraction is, of course, the gurning - with visitors travelling from as far as Australia to witness the spectacle.

Prospect gurners sign up on the night, then take to the stage in front of hundreds of people to present their work.

Some are taking part for the first time, having practised in the bathroom mirror, other more serious athletes, like Jed Eccles, say a strict training regime is key - with hours of practise every day.

Some competitors train for hours every day ahead of the competition

Mr Eccles said: "I've been practising for the last three months in front of the mirror.

"I pull a face every morning when I wake up. It's just one of them.

He added that he trains for "about three or four hours a day".

Men's champion Tommy Mattinson says the event brings the community together

Speaking before gurning his way to the crown, Mr Mattinson said gurning, in a way, was his family legacy.

"My dad was ten-times gurning champion. I followed that tradition on," he said, adding: "I went into the first ever junior competition and won.

"My grandson and granddaughter are the next generation of gurners. You don't want these fairs to die out."

Jed Eccles said a strict training regime was key

He added: "Once its gone its gone. We need to keep it going.

"It brings the town together and the atmosphere is electric".

The evening, held at the town hall, also featured a children's talent show, a horn blowing competition, a raffle and a mass sing-along.

In a touching moment, the compere paid respects to the legendary gurners of old, as the town celebrated those who had taken the baton from them.