THERE’S sure to be a whiff of excitement in the air around Chideock this weekend.

The first annual charity World Garlic Eating Competition takes place on Saturday, September 14, at The George Inn.

Fans of the “stinking rose” will be invited to munch their way through a potful of the pungent bulb to take the new world title.

Mark Botwright, owner of the South West Garlic Farm at North Chideock, started growing garlic 16 years ago on his sheep farm in North Dorset.

He moved to the Bridport area about nine years ago, bringing 2,000 bulbs with him.

The business has continued to grow and it now has more than 15 acres of garlic growing on the farm, with further expansion planned for the next planting season.

Mark had the idea for the championships last year after watching the annual stinging nettle-eating competition, and then devised the fiendish trial.

The contestants will be presented a pot of peeled garlic.

Each clove must be chewed and swallowed before moving onto the next one.

The winner will be the person who manages to eat the most cloves in five minutes.

There will be local Chideock cider on hand to help wash it down.

Mark said: “Raw garlic has a super-intense peppery heat so it is a big challenge.

“We are still looking for more people to take part.

“The winner will receive a trophy and £100 cash. Steve Smith from the George Inn in Chideock offered to host the event and has been working with Mark and Wendy to make it a success.

There will be food, drinks and live music afterwards.

The contest starts at 4pm and costs £5 in advance or £10 on the day. All proceeds go to charity.

For more details visit worldgarliceat ingcompetition.co.uk.