Hawaii holds Eddie Aikau contest as 12m waves roll in

A rare surfing competition has been held in Hawaii as waves of 12m (40ft) pounded Oahu's famous North Shore.

Thousands of people gathered on beaches and cliffs to watch the world's greatest surfers tackle the waves at Waimea Beach, Hawaii

Nine-times world champion Kelly Slater was the strongest starter, but first-time entrant Greg Long, 24, took a narrow lead over his older rival and won with a score of 323 to 313.

The victorious Californian - who took home a purse of $55,000 (£34,000) - said it was "a dream come true" to take part in the "biggest event of big waves in the world".