The heat was on when a group of brave souls battled it out to become the next world nettle-eating champion.
Dorset's famous World Nettle Eating Competition took place at the weekend in the sunny setting of Dorset Nectar cider farm.
Competitors munched their way through as many nettles as they could in half an hour, cheered on by a supportive, cider swigging crowd.
Some had been building up to the event, while others were taken by surprise.
Competitors chop through nettles Picture: Jennie Mulcahey
Cheri Bodley was on holiday in Dorset with her family and celebrating her 40th birthday. Having never heard of the contest before, they wanted to watch the unusual spectacle.
As organisers called out competitors names ahead of the start, Cheri and her dad, Paul Roberts, from the West Midlands, were surprised to be called up.
Cheri said: "I'm celebrating my 40th and it's my dad's 60th so my mum thought she'd nominate us both to take part.
Cheri and Paul were shocked to learn they'd been entered in the contest Picture: Jennie Mulcahey
"I've never heard of this competition before and when I did I didn't think it was a real thing. I'm very nervous!"
Mark Hedditch and his friend Kim Haggar were also put forward on the day.
Kim and Mark settle their nerves before the contest Picture: Jennie Mulcahey
"We were both talked into it but now I'm not sure," said Kim just as the timer was about to start.
Friends Eden Lynham and Soren Arak-Newman, from Bridport, said it was their 'intrusive thoughts' which pushed them to have a go but after doing so they were 'determined to win'.
The friends were keen to win Picture: Jennie Mulcahey
"We're not too nervous, the cider definitely helps," said Eden.
Thirty stinging minutes later, the stalks were counted and new winners were crowned.
Bethan Hodges, 37, won the title of Nettle Queen for 2023, while Chris Ullman was crowned Nettle King.
They chomped their way through 60ft and 76ft of nettles.
Bethan, from Barry Island, only found out about the contest as she was camping at the site.
Winner Bethan Picture: Jennie Mulcahey
"I love trying random competitions like this," she said. I never, ever expected to win. I didn't have time to sort sponsorship but I would like to give the Samaritans a mention." She was awarded the trophy by last year's winner Lindie Rogers.
Chris was raising vital funds for Prostate Cancer Research and believes he may have reached £500 in donations.
Winner Chris Ullman Picture: Jennie Mulcahey
"I didn't expect to win I just thought I'd give it a go," he said modestly.
Competitors were able to relax after the contest and join the rest of the crowd for a dance to Big Whiskey and Shelby's Elbows.
Dorset Nectar has hosted the unique event for the past two years, stepping in to save the much-loved contest when the Bottle Inn closed.
The Bottle Inn is currently being renovated by new owners, and it was announced on Saturday that Dorset Nectar will back the reins when it is back up and running and ready.
Were you there? See if you can spot yourself on our gallery above!
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