Fantastic fibbers vied at a remote pub in northwestern England on Thursday for the title of world's biggest liar.

Judges were deliberating into the night after two hours of competition at the Bridge Inn in the Lake District hamlet of Santon Bridge. Contestants had five minutes to impress the judges with a whopping but convincing lie.

Last year's winner was nuclear power plant worker Glen Boyland, for an improbable story about racing snails with Prince Charles.

Politicians and lawyers are barred from entry, as they are considered to have an unfair advantage.

The competition was founded in honor of 19th-century Bridge Inn landlord Will Ritson, who was renowned for his tall tales.

The event was sponsored by local brewer Jennings, which has produced a World's Biggest Liar ale to mark the event.