London - Terry the snail was declared the World's fastest of his kind Saturday, slithering to victory in an annual race in eastern England, taking two minutes 49 seconds to cover 33 centimetres.

His owner, 27-year-old nurse Claire Hopkins, had purchased him for 20 pence (around 35 US cents) shortly beforehand from race organiser Neil Riseborough.

It was the 15th time he had organised the event, which has been going on since the 1960s. Terry left 11 fellow molluscs in his slimy wake. They reached the final following 12 opening rounds.

Terry's time was well short of the 1995 record held by of Archie, who covered the 33-centimetre distance in just under two minutes. Last year's winner, Heikki, took three minutes and two seconds.

The races take place on specially-lubricated tables. Competing snails must reach the edge of the table, having been set down in the middle. Terry's reward: a silver cup - full of lettuce leaves.(dpa)