It was, as the organisers put it, pie noon when the first bites were taken at Harry’s Bar, Wigan, in the World Pie Eating Championships. The object was to eat a standard meat and potato pie of 12cm diameter and 3.5cm deep, faster than anyone else.

There is a world record for such a feat, set in 2012 by Martin Appleton-Clare , who demolished his pie in 23.53 seconds.

He won again yesterday, but table etiquette kicked in and he slowed his intake to a relatively leisurely 32 seconds. For his efforts he was handed the “Bradley Piggins” trophy.

World Pie Eating Champion Martin Appleton-Clare (right) with the fastest lady Vicky Lindley after competing during World Pie Eating Championships 2017 in Wigan

Vicky Lindley, who finished her pie in a respectable 90 seconds, was named the fastest lady eater.

With the competition over in less than a minute, the spectators were left to lament the change to the rules instituted in 2006 in the interests of nutrition.

Until then, the competition took place over a set time, with the competitors eating as many pies as they could manage before the self-styled “piemaster” blew his whistle.

Slice of northern life that's as American as meat and potato pie