Famous fib-teller Mike Naylor reclaimed his title as the World's Biggest Liar with a far-fetched tale about his trip to the moon.

The veteran liar took the crown for the fifth time, seeing off strong competition from eight other contestants at The Bridge Inn, in Santon Bridge, on Thursday night.

Mike, 61, who lives in Keekle, entertained a sold-out crowd and a panel of judges with a funny story about his visit to the moon on his uncle - and fell-running legend - Joss Naylor's rocket.

He told the crowd about the Wasdale Space Race which including him bumping into the Queen, Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn on the moon.

And revealed he was the lovechild of the Biggest Liar's founder Will Ritson and writer Beatrix Potter.

"It feels really good to win," said Mike, known as 'Monkey Liar'. "I didn't know if it would be good enough this year. I had myself finishing ninth tonight.

"I was born in Wasdale Head. My uncle Joss has won it before, it's just tradition - and a bit of fun! Give it a few weeks and I'll start writing next years.

"It's not the winning it's the taking part, but it's good to win!"

Mike donated his prize money to the competition's charity for the night, West Cumbria Hospice at Home.

Second place went to 80-year-old Edwin Crayston, from Skinburness, and in third position was Chrys Ritson, 60, originally from Liverpool but with family links to Tallentire - and possibly Will Ritson.

Author and broadcaster Eric Robson, who was one of the judges, said: "The standard was tremendous, there's a danger with competitions like this that it becomes stand-up comedy.

"This year it was a great example of people who spun a yarn, Mike could be a professional at this.

"The lady in third place was low key but had a really interesting story. It's been a tremendous evening, a credit to Jennings."

Sponsored by Jennings Brewery in conjunction with Copeland Borough Council, the competition takes place every November.

Johnny Liar, a former winner, returned in 2017 after a three year absence while writer David Bramwell, from Brighton, entered for the first time as part of his research for a new book.

Sarah Grave, from Jennings Brewery, said: "The standard has been really high - the highest I have ever seen.

"It was difficult to judge but Mike was great, it was nice to see Johnny back after a few years - I thought he was good."

The competition dates back to the 19th century and famous Cumbrian Will Ritson (1808-1890). He was a popular publican who lived at the head of Wasdale Valley.

Ritson always kept his customers enthralled with stories of the folk heritage of the area. He claimed that the turnips in Wasdale were so big that after the dalesfolk had "quarried" into them for their Sunday lunch, they could be used as sheds for Herdwick sheep.