A 24-year-old has been crowned this year’s World Pie-Eating Champion after devouring a regulation meat pie in just one minute and two seconds.
Tom O'Neil from Blackpool beat off stiff competition from 18 other entrants at the annual contest, held at Harry's Bar in Wigan. The event has been a fixture in the town since 1992.
Competitors were each presented with a regulation-size pie, measuring 12 centimetres in diameter and 3.5 centimetres deep, with strict rules banning drinks, gravy or any form of “lubricant”.
Mr O’Neil confirmed he plans to return next year to defend his title.
The world-famous contest continues to draw crowds each year, proving that in Wigan, pie-eating remains a serious business.

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