The event, organised by Pastor Kevin Taylor of the Elim Church, Bewbush, will see locals pitting themselves against each other in skills needed to survive harsh Alaskan winters.

Kevin came up with the idea after catching a programme on the bizarre sporting event on a flight to Egypt.

The real World Eskimo Olympics has been held annually in Fairbanks, Alaska, since 1961, although competitions of this kind have been held informally in Arctic villages for much longer.

The Crawley event is open to all-comers.

Kevin said: "It's not age specific, anyone can participate, it's very much a community thing rather than just the young athletes in their prime competing."

Events will include the four-man-carry – which represents bringing a walrus home – where one contestant struggles as far as he can with four men on his back. And for the really brave there will be ear-pulling, Kevin said: "It's like a tug of war but with your ears."

The event will take place on August 16 at Bewbush Community Primary School.

For more info visit : www.elimbewbush.com