The world gurning champions were declared last night at Egremont Crab Fair.

The traditional event took place at the town's Market Hall with hundreds gathering around the stage to see the county's finest gurners.

This year was the 750th Crab Fair, making it one of the oldest in the world.

World Gurning Champion in the men section was Adrian Zivelonghi, known as Adrian from Coventry.

Adrian, 50, said: "I'm very pleased, but I don't want fame. I've been coming for 17 years and competing for 14, last year was the first time I won."

Runner-up was Tommy Mattinson, of Aspatria.

In third position was Gordon Blacklok, 70, of Whitehaven.

He said: "I've always enjoyed entering the gurning, I've never missed one since I started and I've won seven times.

Best women gurner was once again Claire Spedding, 30, of Egremont, who won for the third time in a row, but has won four times in total.

She said: "I'm ecstatic to win again. It means a lot.

"I didn't expect to win - it's tough. I never ever practice.

"I would like everyone to stand up and raise a glass to Anne Woods, she will be looking down on Egremont tonight. Let's bring the youth back into this, lets make this bigger."

Anne Woods had won the Women's Gurning Championship 28 times. She passed away two years ago.

Before the women's section of the competition began, everyone at Market Hall danced to You're Gorgeous in her memory.

Second in the women section was Patina Coupe of Whitehaven and Catherine Everett, who is from Philadelphia but lives in Glasgow.

And in the children section, the winner was Lexie Park, six, of Egremont.

She said: "I'm very happy, I took part last year as well. I'm excited."

Runner up was Lucia Monte, who travelled from Newcastle to take part and third was Georgia Lister.

Egremont Crab Fair takes its name from a tradition started by The Lord of Egremont, who gave away crab apples. The tradition continues to this day with the Parade of the Apple Cart, where apples are thrown to the crowds on the Main Street.

Lesley Stevens, Egremont Crab Fair committee member, said: "It's been fabulous. We've had lots of positive feedback from people.

"The turnout has been double what we normally have.

"I think its because it's been a big one with the anniversary."

Steve Foster, chairman of the Egremont Crab Fair committee, said: "It's gone very well. The weather has just and so held off for us and everyone's had a great time.

"It's been bigger and better this year.

"Initial thoughts for Taste Cumbria are that it was well received.

"Our new innovation, Crab Fest, has complimented Friday's Dancing in the Street. It looks to have been a great success.

"I went up there at 5pm and the place was rammed - there were lots of people there enjoying themselves.

"Thanks to our generous sponsors -everyone at the town council, who sponsored us £10,000, all our local, national and international sponsors - we thank each and every one.

"I'd also like to thank the people of Egremont and all those who have supported us over the years.

"We get people come from all over the country and it's been nice to see them again."