Champion liar accused of cheating

A contest to find the World's Biggest Liar was never likely to uphold the values of honour and fair play.

But this year's competition was the most shameful in living memory - ending with bitter accusations of drunkenness, racism and cheating.

Chaos ensued when South African Abrie Kruger became the first foreign entrant to win the contest, beating the local favourite in rural Cumbria.

Judges were booed and drunken spectators broke into a chorus of Rule Britannia before abusing the 'outsider'.

The annual contest may appear bizarre but is taken very seriously in the area, with tickets selling out weeks in advance.

Would-be liars have to make up tall tales and tell them to judges, who pick the most convincing.

The competition is open to contestants from all over the world but is usually won by a local. Last year's winner George Kemp, from Aspatria in Cumbria, was so incensed this time that he fluffed his lines and gave up half-way through.

Favourite John Graham, who has won several times and is known as Johnny Liar, claimed 24-year-old Mr Kruger broke the strict rules by telling jokes and reading from a script during his fib.

He solemnly vowed never to lie competitively again.

The problem is, do we believe him?