A SALES manager from Old Town appeared unfazed despite managing to swallow a fiery chilli hotdog in 90 seconds.

Andy Phipps, a 32-year-old dad of two, claimed victory in the eye-watering man vs food competition at Lydiard Park. Beating his four other opponents, he ate the foot-long hot dog coated with Mexicana cheese in just a minute-and-a-half.

He said: “Slow and steady won the race. I like chilli, spicy curries and things like that. I could see the other guy making a mess of it all.”

The crowds thought one of his bearded opponents would claim the title and win a goody-bag stuffed with chilli treats. Dad Andy quietly munched his way to victory, raising his arms above his head after 90 seconds of eating.

Crowds enjoyed sweltering temperatures on the first day of the Cheese and Chilli Festival at Lydiard Park.

Featuring food stalls and businesses selling all nature of chilli-related produce, it was the second time the festival had been put on at the West Swindon country park.

Event organiser Simon Stewart said: “It’s a family show, all about the cheese and the chilli. We cater for everyone. It’s a full day out for not very much money.

“We did the show for the first time last year and it was really well received. We’re really pleased people like it.”

Speaking on Saturday, the first day of the festival, Simon added:“We’re really pleased with the turnout. Given that England are playing this afternoon, we are expecting tomorrow to be busier as a result.”

Chilli fans said they were enjoying the event, which also featured falconry displays and music for those who wanted more than just fiery food and delights from the dairy.

Katrina O’Connor, 25, came up from Cornwall with friends for the festival: “Everything has been amazing. There are loads of different things happening.”

Danielle Bishop, 27, from Wantage, said she was enjoying the variety at the event: “It’s not just chilli and cheese. There’s a nice atmosphere.”

Swindon man James Heaney, 35, who had come to Lydiard from nearby Redhouse, said: “We came for the chilli sauce and some of the events.” Having tried his hand at eating contests before, he wasn’t ruling out taking on the man vs chilli competition: "I’ve done something like that. It may happen.”

Yvonne Woodhall of horticulture business Yvonne’s Plants said her hanging basket chilli plants were selling well: “It’s not something everybody has seen before.Instead of growing upwards like other chillies, they grow outwards.”