Each year, on the 3rd Staruday of September, the small town of Egremont, in Cumbria, holds the World Gurning Competition. This is part of the Crab Fair, ana ancient country fair which takes place over that weekend.

It is not really the 'World' that takes part as most of the competitors are from the UK. The present organiser, Alan Clements, can remember an Australian taking part once, although that may be just one more bit of British eccentricity. There are three categories: children, women and men. Contestants put their heads through a horse collar and then pull their ugliest face, sustaining it for 30 seconds.

This is the climax of an evening which has seen a local talent contest, the singing of Hunting Songs, and a pipe-smoking contest. The highlight of the guring is the men's contest. This year the reigning champion, Peter Jackman, retained his title. Strangely enough he also lives in the village.