Ged Eccles, a local Cumbrian, has finally clinched the World Gurning Championship title, overcoming television actor Will Mellor who secured a surprise second place. The annual competition, a long-standing fixture of the Egremont Crab Fair since the 1500s, sees competitors judged on their ability to pull the most grotesque face.
Eccles expressed his elation at the victory, his first since becoming junior champion in 1985. He attributed his success to extensive practice, stating he had been training for three to four hours daily since May to loosen his facial muscles. Mellor, known for roles in 'Hollyoaks' and 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office', participated as part of a filming project.
In the women's competition, local resident Claire Lister regained her crown, having lost it last year. Event organiser Dan Nixon noted that around 50 entrants participated across the men's, women's, and junior categories, with up to 800 people attending the event.
Eccles plans to defend his title next year and continue gurning for as long as he is able. The organising committee has already begun planning for next year's event, which will mark its 760th iteration.