After endless bowls of tatie pot, plenty of Jennings beer, and a turnip-full of laughter later, the World’s Biggest Liar of 2019 has finally been crowned.

Stories told at The Bridge Inn, Santon Bridge, included tales of providing the Queen with her “morning cuppa” before being bitten by her corgis, a mother’s arms being used in place of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s in Predator, and Herdy the talking Herdwick who just wanted to live a human life.

But the one that truly had the wool pulled firmly over the judges’ eyes was Phillip Gate's account of where the term 'jam eater' came from, and how it should "go back to being a friendly term".

The crowd was enticed by his tale of underground "sugar seams" absorbing into hedges, creating every flavour of jam.

After explaining the science behind the phenomenon, and expressing his sadness that it wasn't a friendly term anymore, Phillip asked the crowd to turn to the person next to them, and make them smile by saying "jam scram" – and the rest is history.

The winner was presented the award by BBC's The One Show presenter, AJ Odudu.

Commenting on his first time entering, and first win, the excited "Workington lad" said: Everything I said tonight is true, I promise you!

"It was difficult to decide how to pitch it – serious or funny – so I just went for it and hoped for the best, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the night."

"It took a couple of nights to write and another couple to practice and learn. It's been great, and it's always good to have a nice tatie pot!"

Runner-up was Spartacus, aka John Rooney from Kendal, who recalled the many jobs he's held, including full-time pick-pocket, bear wrestler and lion tamer – having his audience in fits of giggles throughout his entire tale.

And last year's winner, Keekle's Mike Naylor, or Monkey Liar, took third place with his story of going for a hike up Yewbarrow, bumping into Frankenstein (who he knew "when he was just plain old 'Frank who played the mouth organ'") and the 'Beary Hikers' along the way.

The event is sponsored by Jennings Brewery and hosted by Charles Maudling, who presented each winner with a gift of beer, along with eternal glory for being the best liars in the world.