A heavyweight clash to find the biggest and best pound-for-pound sausage muncher went with a bang at the weekend.

Big appetites and even bigger bellies clashed for a sausage-eating contest at Foxbury Farm Shop, Burford Road, in Brize Norton.

More than 25 contestants guzzled their way through 150 of the farm's award-winning 3oz Gloucester Old Spot bangers on Saturday.

The charity contest was held in aid of Oxfordshire Air Ambulance. Seven people with the largest appetites made it through to next week's final.

Trainee butcher George Alford, 18, of Carterton, destroyed the field by munching his five sausages and mash in well under a minute. He said: "They went down quite quickly to be honest, I put that down to less chewing and more swallowing. Chewing only wastes time - just get it down you and swallow, that's my tactic.

"I don't know if I'm the favourite for the final - but I look the part. I'm going to give it 110 per cent in the final and fight the good fight."

One of the contest's youngest contestants, Cameron Lindsell, 12, of Witney, also reached the final, coming second in his heat. He said: "I ate everything and now I'm feeling sick. I didn't know sausages could go down that fast. I only came here with my mum to use the shop and thought let's give it a go'.

"I don't really have a big appetite but I woke up late this morning and haven't had any breakfast. I think I'm going to prepare for the final by not eating for two days."

The grand final will be held at the farm shop next Saturday. Each contestant has a bowl of five sausages and mashed potato and they must clean it up within 60 seconds, or as fast as possible.

Owner Colin Dawes said: "There were seven individuals who clearly won and went straight through to next week's final - the rest of us were really struggling. I think it's going to a be a close final there are about three people who are absolutely neck and neck."

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