A NEW sport came to the region for the first time yesterday - mashed potato wrestling.

The sport, already a smash in the US, made its debut in a Newcastle pub as bemused locals watched two women mash each other in a potato pit.

Organised by the British Potato Council, the event was open for anyone who wanted to give it a go - but, for some reason, there were no takers.

Simon Henderson, assistant manager of the Fog and Firkin pub on Newcastle's Quayside, where the event took place, said: "It was a real good laugh. We had a few members of the public wander in to find out what on earth was going on.

"Everyone had a laugh, but there was no way any of them was going to give it a go, not before a few drinks anyway."

The wrestling ring was filled with mountains of moist mash made from reject potato flakes.

The event was organised by the British Potato Council to mark the start of the autumn season for home-grown potatoes.

Other mashed potato wrestling events have also been planned around the country