THE World Aunt Sally Singles Championship has again gone to a competitor from outside Oxfordshire.

The traditional pub game is almost exclusively played in the county, but for the second year it has gone to Gloucestershire.

Stephen McAteer, 58, of Paxford, near Chipping Campden, won the competition at the Charlbury Beer Festival on Saturday.

He said: “It feels great to have won. It is an honour.

“You always fancy your chances. With Aunt Sally you never know, it is on the day and if you play well you have got a chance.”

Mr McAteer, who plays in the Chipping Norton Invitation Aunt Sally League, said he will aim to retain the trophy next year.

He added: “I have got to, but even if I do not win my name is on the trophy now.”

About 2,500 people attended the beer festival, which included 50 types of beer as well as live music, food and children’s entertainment.

Charlbury resident Shelley Parsons, 32, said: “It was a great day.

“It was nice because it is a day when all the Charlbury people get together and you see people you have not seen all year round.”

Ben Forgham, 39, travelled from Leicestershire with his family for the eighth year in a row to attend the event.

He said: “It has been a brilliant day. The atmosphere was excellent, the bands were great and everyone was happy.”

  Organising committee member Nick Millea said: “The beer festival brings the community together and raises a huge amount for all sorts of local good causes.”

The event raised almost £21,000 for charities last year.