THE popular Asparagus eating competition returned to this years' Asparafest.

The competition took place from June 3 to June 4 and was even more special as Vale of Evesham asparagus was recently awarded EU protected food name status.

This puts Vale of Evesham asparagus on the same platform as food and drinks such as Champagne, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Cornish Pasties.

Asparagus lovers signed up to take part in this famous and unique competition.

Steve Knight, marketing and events Officer at Wychavon said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people taking part in this legendary event, with visitors coming from all over the country.

"It’s one of the even more quirky parts of what is already a pretty quirky and quintessentially British celebration. "The competition never fails to provide a good giggle.

"There is plenty more to come over the summer and people can find out exactly what is happening at the Visit Wychavon website or by picking up an events diary."

The competition sees participants compete to eat ten spears of asparagus in the quickest time to be in with a chance of being crowned asparagus king and queen.

Due to a record 59 entries this year, the competition was run on both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday saw Chris Larkins from Evesham crowned as king eating his asparagus in 32 seconds, and Theresa Foster from Banbury, Oxfordshire, was crowned queen with a time of 40 seconds.

On Sunday, Robert Jewkes from Birmingham was crowned king, with a time of 35 seconds and Theresa Foster had another attempt to protect her crown and was victorious with a time of 37 seconds.

The asparagus crowns were made by Enchanted Florist and the winners were then presented their crowns by Gus the Asparagusman.

For more go to www.visitwychavon.com