Tiny bichon frese, Charlie, tucked into the official competition crusts which were left in the fridge of former champion Dave Williams at his home in Higher Road, Longridge, near Preston in Lancashire on Tuesday night.

Mr Williams was distracted by a pigeon in his chimney when Charlie sneaked in and helped himself.

Official pie supplier, Wigan Pies, was working through the night to make replacements in time for the start of Thursday's competition at Harry's Bar, Wallgate.

Mr Williams, who won the competition in 1995, said: "The pies had just been delivered, I went to find out what this racket was in the chimney and when I got back Charlie had pulled them out of the fridge and had a bit of a do at them.

"He is a bit of a rascal really, but he does love his pies."

Piemaster Rob Stewart, of Wigan Pies, said the pies were produced to "very fine tolerances" and his staff would be working through the night to ensure the competition went ahead as planned.

Event organiser Tony Callaghan said he had given the pies to Mr Williams for "safe keeping".

He said: "As we understand it, Dave took delivery of the pies and put them in the fridge, but the door did not close properly and he was distracted by a pigeon."

>> Vote in our latest web poll