The reputation Germans have of being stuffed shirts and not having much of a sense of humour has been firmly blown out of the water with the news that the German Office Chair Championships has been held for the third year in a row.
58 competitors from Luxembourg and Germany gathered in the town of Bad Konig-Zell for the annual event and, although the winner was Luxembourger Pierre Feller, local man Heiko Winter won the much coveted award for best design - not only did Winter dress up as a cowboy, but his chair was fitted with a horse's head and saddle.
Event organiser Rene Karg enthused :
"This event should surely lay the ghost of the stereotypically dour German. I defy anyone not to find some of the fancy dresses hysterical.
The success of the Office Chair Championships in Bad Konig-Zell has inspired other German towns to hold their own wacky tournaments".
Rumour has it that near neighbours Michelstadt are considering holding a Walking Backwards competition in August, while Gumpersberg hope to organise a Sideways Swimming tournament later in the year.
All rib tickling stuff.
