The rural town of Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh, witnessed the rather unrepresentative bid to find the planet's finest exponent of the traditional builders' greeting.

And while top whistlers from foreign shores failed to show, it was probably because they were scared of the competition.

Around a dozen hopefuls vying for the prestigious title clambered on top of specially erected scaffolding on the main street to show their appreciation of a parade of passing beauties.

And led by Irvinestown's newly crowned "Lady of the Lake" Rachel Gibson, the troop of ladies proved more than a match for their male suitors.

All eyes were on local butcher Stephen Miller after his triumph at last year's Ireland-wide contest in the town, and he stepped up to the mark once again to claim the world title.

"I was under big pressure, everybody was looking at me when I got up there," he said.

"They were expecting me to do it again and thankfully I did.

"They tell me I'm a world champion now but I've no free holiday out of it yet."