Bricklayer Danny Teare emulated the sporting success of Britain's Olympic heroes by becoming the world champion in pea throwing.

Danny, 34, wrote his name in the record books when he saw off rivals by hurling a frozen garden pea 29.10 metres.

Danny won gold at the Lewes Arms pub in Lewes where competitors flocked to contest the second unofficial world championship.

His distance smashed the record held by defending champion Mick "two dogs" Deacon who finished second with 28.12m.

The contest, open to all ages, is governed by strict rules displayed in the pub's toilets.

Each thrower gets three chances to hurl a pea down a narrow tarmac lane with chalk markings every five metres.

The rules include:

l No kicking, spitting or blowing l Throwing or flicking to be by hand only l No batting, slapping or punching l All peas to be supplied by the management l No genetically modified peas (or competitors)

l Peas to be measured once stationary l Peas disappearing down drains, under wheels of cars or acted upon by animals or alien beings declared void.

l All peas must be thrown within one minute of selection.

Winner Danny, who lives in Lewes, said afterwards: "I am over the moon. I want to thank my family, my agent and all my friends.

"It is a dream come true and I hope it inspires other pea-throwers.

"My advice is to select a firm pea, wait until the wind drops, aim centrally, take a good run up and throw with a smooth action."

Defeated champion Mick, a 44-year-old graphic designer, had previously held the world record at 27.5m.

He said: "We only use organic peas in this sport and there are no drugs.

"I am a bit concerned that people have come from further afield to take part and I am worried it might be a step towards professionalism.

"We asked a well-known frozen food company for sponsorship of a bag of peas but they weren't interested which pea-ed us off a bit.

"I prefer defrosted peas because when they are frozen the ice gives them a bigger surface area creating more wind resistance. My preferred throwing action is the 'Denise Lewis javelin launch'.

"After the pea-off every one goes quiet and it can get very serious with people discussing the legality of throws."

Claire Murray, landlady of the Lewes Arms, said: "I am delighted my pub has seen a new personal, Olympic and world best from Danny."

Each of the 30 competitors - double the number taking part last year - paid £1 to enter and the money raised will be donated to charity.

The next event in the pub's calendar is a spaniel racing competition.