The first topless sledging tournament was due to take place in Oberwiesenthal, Germany, next month. But local councillors are trying to ban the event, as they seem think it might have a negative  effect on the town’s reputation.

Mayor Mirko Ernst said: ‘No one has anything against the traditional annual sledging events. But the vast majority of residents oppose the topless sledging idea. The good reputation of our town would suffer.’

Topless sledging organiser Jochen Noeske tried to allay any fears that the event might have sleazy overtones, diplomatically saying: ‘I want our tournament to be a mega festival of boobs.’

He added: ‘I hope they don’t ban us – but if they do, we’ll take the competition over the border to the Czech Republic where they are not so stuffy.’