Gurning site nets an ugly mug haul

If the internet makes you screw up your face in horror, then Paul Johnson has a Web site for you. Dr. Johnson is the power behind www.cumbria.uk.com - home of the world's first on-line gurning competition. And the contest has proved a hit with facially-challenged web-surfers, with 10 people a day submitting pictures of themselves in the hope of being named the ugliest face in cyberspace.

"The response has been amazing," said Dr. Johnson. "It was just a bit of fun, but we are getting pictures from all over the world."

Every month staff at the www.cumbria.uk.com whittle down dozens of rubber-faced hopefuls to a shortlist of six. Photos of the chosen few are displayed on the Web site, with visitors asked to vote for the best.

Winners receive a "Cumbrian facepack" - two slices of cucumber and some Lake District mud - and go on to compete for the title Gurner of the Year. Dr. Johnson said the contest was helping to preserve Cumbria's position as the international home of silly faces. Each year the world gurning championships are held at the Egremont Crab Fair in the Lake District in a tradition dating back to 1266. Competitors pull faces through a horse's collar, and the winner is determined by audience applause.

The Web site, which contains information on attractions and facilities throughout the county, has been running for just over a fortnight but already receives 2,595 visitors a week. It is designed and maintained by The Dedicated Partnership, a tourism promotion company owned by Dr. Johnson.

"The competition has certainly helped," he said. "We can see what part of the site people are looking at, and the two most popular are the gurning page and the accommodation section."

Dr. Johnson encouraged more to prove they are virtually revolting by e-mailing him their photo at amiuglyenough@cumbria.uk.com. Pictures should not exceed 20k in size.

The Dedicated Partnership
Maude Street, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4QD - England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1539 736677
Fax: +44 (0)1539 736688