THE Spring Inn will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of Scottish poet Rabbie Burns with a huge haggis throwing competition.

The All England overhead haggis hurling championships are taking place at the Spring Inn in aid of the Observer’s Can you Spare a Minute? appeal for Springhill Hospice.

Haggis hurling is a revival of an ancient pre Burns night competition that was held between the Highlanders and the Lowlanders in hostelry courtyards in Scotland.

Playing with teams of two, one person acts as a thrower hurling haggises over their head with their partner catching them in their kilt.

The last competition of this nature was held back in 1992 in Crewe, supported by JW Lees regional director Chris Connelly, who decided to bring the event to Rochdale.

Entry is £1.50 per team, with each member receiving a free bacon sandwich at registration.

There will be a minimum of 20 teams competing on the day with each team getting two haggis hurling chances and a sudden death round before a winner is decided.

The winning team and two runners-up will receive engraved trophies and a tartan sash. Proceeds from the sale of refreshments and donations will be donated to Springhill Hospice.

All the rules will be explained on the day, with kilts provided. The competition begins at 12.15pm.

Celebrations will include a Scottish-themed buffet with haggis, neeps and tatties.

Teams can represent local businesses or rival pubs. To enter contact the Spring Inn on 633529. The closing date for entries is today (Wednesday).