Gordon Mattinson, father of the World Gurning Championship Guinness World Record holder, and former champion has died.

It was confirmed on Tuesday, May 27, Gordon had died.

Like his son, Tommy, Gordon was a World Gurning Champion – taking the title ten times.

Gordon won the Championship every year from 1967 to 1972 and then again from 1974 to 1977.

He was runner up again twice after that in 1978 and 1979.

The Egremont Crab Fair and World Gurning Championship committee paid tribute to Gordon calling him a “legend”.

They said: “We’re sad to have heard today of the passing of Gordon Mattinson.

“Gordon was a true Crab Fair legend.

“He won the Men’s World Gurning Championships an incredible ten times and his face was known around the world.

“He was of course, also the father of current Men’s World Gurning Champion, Tommy Mattinson.

“He’ll live on long in the memories of the town and will always be in the Fair’s Hall of Fame.

“Our thoughts go out to Gordon’s family.”

His son Tommy has won the competition 19 times and in 2023 was recognised by Guinness World Records for his achievements.