Toe wrestling triumph for England

The championships were nail-biting stuff for a rapt audience

An Englishman has pulled off a feat of strength and endurance to be crowned world toe wrestling champion.

Paul Beech, from Burton-upon-Trent in Staffordshire, fought off the cream of the toe wrestling community, including competition from abroad, to take the sought-after men's title on Saturday.

About 100 people took part in the event, in which opponents attempt to force down each others feet in a best-of-three "toe-down".

The women's title was taken by Natalie Cartwright from Nantwich in Cheshire.

The event was dreamt up in the 1970s by the then landlord of Ye Olde Royal Oak Inn, in Wetton, Staffordshire, where the championships are still contested.

Current landlord Brian Rowbothan said: "We had over 100 competitors including some Australians, Canadians and Germans.

"But, to be honest, the foreigners weren't very good - none of them got past the first round."