A COMPETITION newcomer has knocked spoon-playing heavyweight Bert Draycott off his pedestal.

Former railwayman George Hood is the new cutlery king of the world after Bert tasted defeat for the first time in 30 years.

George, 77, blew the crowd away with his rendition of set-piece Tell Me Ma' and a freestyle performance which saw him weave his way through the packed bar of a County Durham pub.

Held at the Bird in Hand pub, in Trimdon Village, on Saturday, the World Spoon Playing Championships attracted more contestants than ever before.

George, from Pelaw, Gateshead, went along to the contest, part of the fourth Trimdon Festival, with sons Brian and Graham and grandson Anthony.

But he was concerned he would upset the locals if he managed to beat their hero, Bert, who lives in nearby Fishburn.

George started at the tender age of ten and has developed a flamboyant style which sees him playing the spoons against his knees, knuckles, elbows and face.

His love of performing has landed him slots on television shows with Tom O'Connor and Richard Whiteley and Carol Vorderman, and for nine years he toured the country with North-East band Panama.

He said: "It's great fun. I've had a brilliant time and the crowd were a good laugh. It is fantastic to be named world champ. I wasn't sure about it because I know how popular Bert is, but people were very welcoming."

It was an outstanding contest with twice as many competitors as last year and new blood in the shape of John Garbutt, who was third.

Unchallenged for almost three decades until the competition made a comeback at the festival, Bert took defeat gracefully saying: "The best man won on the day".

The 72-year-old retired miner proudly displayed the letters WCSP (World Champion Spoon Player) after his name since 1973, when he won the title in the first competition.

Held in the Busty seam compressor house, at Fishburn Colliery, at 2 o'clock one night shift, Bert recalled: "If you weren't there, you weren't in it."

Festival organiser Peter Brookes said: "The championship started as a bit of fun but it has become a big part of the festival.

"Bert was a real character again and will remain a favourite of the local crowd but George stole the show on the day."