The mollusc claimed the title at the World Snail Racing Championships, held at Grimston Cricket Club, near King's Lynn, in an event that drew crowds from across the globe.

A total of 271 snails took part in the competition, inching their way through 18 heats of 15 snails each, cheered on by a crowd of around 600 spectators.

Around 600 spectators gathered to watch the snails compete. (Image: Theo Shaw/PA Wire)

Snailor Swift, named in tribute to pop star Taylor Swift, was declared the winner after completing the 13.5-inch (34cm) course in three minutes and 13 seconds.

The winner moved swiftly over the line to claim first place, ahead of competitors like Christopher Slowlan, Snailifer Lopez and Michael Snailin, who were entered into the race by Dutch pair Luna and Floor.

The two are originally from Doesburg in the Netherlands, where they used to race snails, but now live in Norwich.

Floor said: "We brought in these snails from our allotment."

She added that their entrants had undergone their own training by "veggie-loading".

Spectators travelled from across the world to see the racing, including France, Germany, Poland, the US and Brazil. It was the busiest event since it started again in 2023 after being paused by the Covid pandemic.

A total of 271 snails took part in the competition (Image: Theo Shaw/PA Wire)

The event raises funds for the local community and St Andrew's Church.

Ian Haynes, snail master, said: "Nothing sensible has come from it whatsoever, but the snail trainers take it very seriously.

"They use lots of different techniques, from giving them cucumber to stay hydrated to also keeping them in the dark, so they are ready to go off and find some darkness.

"A few people have tried to entice the snails with cucumber, but we have to reprimand them for doing that.

"It's just all very good natured and good fun."