PUB goers gathered for the first annual beer ladle race in Poole Old Town yesterday.

The event, which saw two teams of steady-handed competitors attempt to transfer ladles full of beer from the Rope and Anchor pub in Sarum Street to the Crown Hotel in Market Street, was launched with great ceremony by Poole Town Crier David Squire.

Two teams, each representing one of the pubs, set off on the route which wended its way around the Church of St James and along Church Street, with the goal of transferring as much beer as possible into the waiting jugs at the Crown.

Some 20 people took part, with the winning team from the Rope and Anchor taking home a silver ladle and a medal each.

The event, organised by the Crown landlady Sandra Rothwell, raised funds for Julia's House Hospice.

Crown landlord, and Ms Rothwell's partner, Martin Gillingham said: "We came a paper-thin second, and they had two flies in theirs which might have swung it for them.

"We presented some little gifts as well as the main trophy but really the day was about having fun and raising funds for the charity.

"I thought it was a mad idea at first, when Sandra first suggested it, carrying a load a beer around the church between the pubs, but it was a very nice gathering and very good for the community."

Mr Gillingham said the pub goers had been particularly fortunate with the weather which had led to a lively audience for the start of the race.

"It was the best day of the year so far, superb," he said.

"All credit to Sandra, it was a great atmosphere and a great crowd."

The rules were strict, requiring competitors to use only one hand on the ladle, and cheating by using cling film to cover the bowl was forbidden.

Ms Rothwell said she hoped the event could become an annual tradition.

"It is a take on the egg and spoon race, and as it is Easter I thought it would be nice to do something like this here and challenge Daniel and James from the Rope," she said.

"We get on well with them and some of our customers drink there as well, that is what all the booing was about.

"I would like to make it an annual event and get some of the other pubs involved as well, maybe change the route around a bit and make it a bit longer."