WHILE most people consider cutting back the amount they eat after Christmas, more than a dozen hungry competitors in Cirencester attempted an eating challenge of gigantic proportions.

Regulars at the Oddfellows Arms swapped their pint glasses for knives and forks as 13 contenders tried their best to devour copious amounts of food in a charity challenge similar to TV’s Man v Food.

Sharon Scrivens, landlord of the Oddfellows Arms, said: “It was a really good event. The atmosphere was great and we were really busy. Loads of people had come to watch and were cheering everyone on to finish the food.”

Contestants were given the choice of two gluttonous challenges; the first was to eat four pounds of pub grub within a strict time limit of 20 minutes.

The second saw the 13 eaters scoff a plate of chicken wings covered in a fiery sauce made from over 100 chilis, dubbed the Hot Wings challenge.

Sharon said: “Nobody managed the four pound challenge, the most anyone could manage was around three. I think a lot of people were still recovering from Christmas. But three people did complete the hot wings one.”

The event, which was held on Saturday, December 28 and cost £20 to enter, raised a total of £110 for Cancer Research UK.

“It’s a cause very close to my heart as my son was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer two years ago,” said Sharon.

The Oddfellows Arms will continue to run the charity eating challenges throughout 2014.

For more information, ring 01285 641540.