Meet the reigning champion of gurning, who has been making the best faces for eight years in a row.

As we move on to the next event, it's safe to say that most people have made silly faces at least a few times in their lives. However, this practice seems to fade away as we reach our teenage years or adulthood. But for some people, like the gurners we're about to witness, making funny faces is a skill that only gets better with time. These gurners have gathered in Egremont, Cumbria for the annual World Gurning Championships. It's an art form that requires practice and finesse, and some of these competitors have been returning year after year to showcase their talent.

This year, the men's category was won by Tommy Mattinson for the 19th time, while Claire Lister took home the women's title for the eighth consecutive year. What's even more impressive is that it seems to run in the family, as Claire's daughter Kendal was crowned the champion in the junior category this year. Tommy, who's father was also a gurning champion, expressed his joy at winning again and shared that he never expected to win, but faced tough competition that night.

When asked about his secret to success, Tommy revealed that when he pulls his face, he goes into his zone and doesn't hear or feel anything else. He also mentioned that he plans to come back and defend his title in the future, as he believes that a true champion should always strive for more. And for Tommy, winning is not just about the title, but also about the thrill of meeting celebrities and being on TV.

Speaking of family traditions, Claire Lister also shared her journey as a gurner. She started at a young age, trying to imitate her father, and even though it became embarrassing as a teenager, she picked it up again in her twenties and hasn't looked back since. She even participated in a gurning competition through Zoom during lockdown and had a blast.

But what exactly is gurning? It's a competition where participants wear a large horse collar and contort their faces in the most grotesque way possible. A panel of five judges then scores them based on the transformation of their face. This event is part of the Egremont Crab Fair, which has been around since 1267 when the townsfolk were given crab apples by the Lord of the Manor. Along with gurning, the fair also includes wheelbarrow races and horn-blowing competitions.

This year's gurning competition saw participants from all over the country, drawn to its uniqueness and tradition. Callum Scott, the chairman of the event, believes that gurning has become an iconic part of the town and appeals to many because of its history. The fair, being one of the oldest in the world, has been a beloved tradition for centuries. It's heartwarming to see that despite the passing of time, some things, like making silly faces, never lose their charm.

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