mirror.co.uk – The World Pie Eating Championship thought its flatulence fix for ­competitors would come up trumps but it has caused an almighty stink.

Organisers of the annual contest will use chicken as a filling next Tuesday over fears the traditional meat and potato makes eaters break wind.

They reckon the move will help tackle climate change and stop crowds turning their noses up at the event.

But purists have cried fowl on the switch, saying there is little time to adjust training regimes and chicken is too easy.

Tony Callaghan, owner of contest venue Harry’s Bar in Wigan, Greater Manchester, said: “We’re steering things away from red meat this year for health considerations and also to avoid the methane issue.”

Pie Master Tony Callaghan (centre) with World Pie Eating Champion Martin Appleton-Clare (right) and the fastest lady Vicky Lindley (Image: PA)

He cited “the warnings about greenhouse gasses from cattle and the controversy involving farting at major darts tournaments which recently distracted players”.

But Dave Smyth, the 1992 winner, said: “Competition has been softened. There is great skill in downing a pie without spillage, crumb splatter or swallow-stall – talent developed over years.

“Chicken is less demanding and requires a different and less ­challenging technique.

Oh we’re ending 2018 on a heater when it comes to these headlines, do you guys know that I got accused of making this stuff up? I could sit around for a month trying to write a Onion style satirical headline and would never be able to come up with “World Pie eating championship bans meat because of horrible farts”…i’m not saying this takes the cake as far as headlines go because i’ve blogged some hilarious ones but this is definitely up there in the top 10…I mean these quotes alone are medal worthy…

“They reckon the move will help tackle climate change and stop crowds turning their noses up at the event.”

“We’re steering things away from red meat this year for health considerations and also to avoid the methane issue.”