Set to go with a bang(er)

I've been lucky enough to judge a few food competitions over the years.

They're great fun and the chance to try some great new food, even if by the end of the day you're a little weary of whatever it is you're judging (it's not like wine tasting, you can't spit it out).

One I did a couple of years ago was The Great Hampshire Sausage, Pie and Ready Meal Competition.

It's that time of year again. My friends at the organisers Hampshire Fare tell me they've got a record entry of more than 250 products from butchers and meat producers for this Wednesday's showdown at Sparsholt College.

Tantalising entries this year include 'Hair of the Hog' pork sausages with real ale, and buffalo burgers.