Guy smokes rings round rivals

The UK record for keeping a pipe lit is 2hrs 5mins

Britain has a new pipe smoking champion after Guy Smith smoked three grams of tobacco for 98 minutes.

Mr Smith, from Clunton in Shropshire, beat 30 other smokers at the national chamionships in the West Midlands.

Enthusiasts from Scotland, Blackpool, Norfolk and Devon took part at the Old Silhilians Rugby and Cricket Club in Knowle, near Solihull.

Mr Smith won the title in a time of one hour, 38 minutes and 31 seconds.

It is a very sociable event - the one day of the year you get the most eccentric bunch of British men in the same room

Tim Knight
Organiser

Each competitor in the event, organised by the John Hollingsworth Pipe Club Birmingham, was given one pipe, three grams of tobacco and two minutes to prepare.

An umpire at each table checked the contestants were producing smoke and eliminated those who failed to do so.

Mr Smith's prize was a handmade pipe worth £240 from organisers at the Old Silhillians Sports Club, Warwick Road, Knowle.

Organiser Tim Knight said: "Guy smoked well and beat his personal best today.

"He's a good championship smoker and had a good day."

He added: "As much as we call it a competition it is a very sociable event - the one day of the year you get the most eccentric bunch of British men in the same room."