The proof of the pudding is in the sailing.

Watch by frogmen, Robbie Thackray, the nephew of Ryedale impressario Simon Thackery, paddles the giant Yorkshire pudding at Brawby

At least that's if you're daft enough to take to the water in a giant Yorkshire pudding.

Simon Thackray, the man behind The Shed arts venue at Brawby, near Malton, came up with the idea for the watery madness. His nephews Robbie and Jack Thackray, aged nine and eight respectively, took the plunge as the 3ft Yorkshire pudding underwent trials yesterday at Manor Farm, Brawby.

The Malton County Primary School pupils took it in turns to don a lifejacket and clamber aboard, using an oar to steer the pudding in coracle fashion.

Following his successful trial voyage, Robbie said: "It was quite good fun. It kept on rocking side to side, but I didn't think I was going to fall out."

A delighted Mr Thackray said: "I think it's fantastic. I was completely confident that it was going to work, and it hasn't leaked at all."

Divers John Garbutt and Derek Nicholls, of Ryedale Sub Aqua Club, were on hand to ensure Robbie and Jack did not get into any trouble.

Environmental health officer Robin Rawson, from Ryedale District Council, watched the test sailing before issuing a licence for the Great Yorkshire Pudding Boat Race, which will take place at 3pm on Saturday, June 12.

Free tickets to watch the event must be reserved in advance by telephoning The Shed on 01653 668494 as numbers will be limited. The race will form part of The Shed's Far Removed weekend of improvised and new music on June 11, 12 and 13, during which poet Ian McMillan and Kubryk Townsend will perform the world premiere of their new work the Yorkshire Pudding Boat Songs.

Mr Thackray said he came up with the idea of making a bizarre boat years ago. "I was sitting in the pub fantasising about going down the river in a Yorkshire pudding."

Last year, he made a prototype using a deep frozen Yorkshire pudding, which was covered in polyurethane and sailed in the bath with a doll sitting in it.

He then persuaded Simon Thomas, of Thomas the Bakers in Helmsley, to come up with a giant pudding.

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