WINNER OF PANCAKE-EATING CONTEST DROPS DEAD

The winner of a pancake-eating contest has dropped dead while accepting his prize for gorging on 43 of the banana and cream stuffed desserts. Boris Isayev, 48, from west Russia died on stage moments after winning the competition to mark the end of Butter Week.

The contest, which took place in the town of Chernyakhovsk, was part of festivities to celebrate Maslenitsa, the last week before the period of Lent starts. According to local traditions, meat, fish, dairy products and eggs are forbidden during Lent, as well as dancing and parties.Witnesses described Mr Isayev as "the most active participant in the contest" adding that he "ate all the types of pancakes on offer and won fairly".

The witness added: "He had really enjoyed the pancakes but then he started foaming at the mouth and went down like a sack of stones.

"People have fainted during the contests before."

Medics tried to revive Mr Isayev after he collapsed while collecting his prize on stage. The exact cause of death is not clear but doctors believe he choked after a piece of pancake got lodged in his throat. Celebrations are said to have continued after Mr Isayev's body was taken away in an ambulance.

SOURCE: Sky News