ORGANISERS of a charity event raising money for the Oxfordshire Air Ambulance are hoping it goes off with a bang(er) this afternoon.

Staff at the Foxbury Farm Shop, in Burford Road, Brize Norton, have organised a competition to see who can eat the most of their award-winning 3oz Gloucester Old Spot sausages in 60 seconds.

And they will need a hearty appetite, as those who win through to the next round will have to return next Saturday for the grand final. So far, about 25 people have signed up.

Owner Colin Dawes said they would prepare between 300 and 400 sausages for the event, which is running from noon to 4pm.

He added: "They are very nice. They have got a lovely traditional pork flavour which has gone missing in this day and age. No sauce is allowed but if they need a bit of salt or pepper, they can have a bit of salt and pepper.

"I had a go at it last night. I managed to get to the fifth one, but it was a struggle."

The shop had already raised £5,000 for the air ambulance, and proceeds will be added to the total.