Gurning

[Philip E. Cleary]

A news story reported at
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_675318.html?menu=news.quirkies informs
me that the "World Gurning Championships," to which "gurners" are doubtless
flocking, are taking place in Cumbria.

"Contestants are required to wear a horse collar while they pull their best
grotesque and extraordinary faces." That, I take it, is a description of
"gurning." Can anyone tell me more about this wonderful word and its
etymology?

And, while we're on the subject, is "to pull a face" the UK equivalent of
the US "to make a face"?

Phil Cleary