WHEN I heard Ramsbottom was hosting the first ever Chocolate Festival, my eyes lit up and my taste buds began to salivate, writes Sarah Poole.

So when the opportunity arose to take part in a world record attempt which basically involved stuffing my face with the most exquisite of chocolates, how could I refuse?

I joined seven other willing contestants in Ramsbottom Civic Hall as we tried to break the official Guinness World Record for the most Fererro Rochers eaten in one minute.

It sounds easy but there are strict guidelines. And once my nerves kicked-in, the prospect of beating the current record which, believe it or not stands at seven, seemed impossible to even the most avid of chocoholics as myself.

The task proved too difficult to swallow — as did the chocolates, which stuck to my throat like glue. I finished with a miserable score of two.

Hundreds of spectators watched us and the judges made sure no rules were broken, but the rich truffles took their toll on all of us and we failed to thrash the total.

Chris Hitchen, a joiner from Maxwell Street, in Bury, was one of three contestants who managed to eat six which, until last October would have equalled the world record.

Bury firefighter Barry Scott was disappointed with his six after polishing off eight in 50 seconds during a previous training session.

He said: “I don’t even like chocolate that much but I remember Fererro Rochers from when I was little.

“The lads at the station saw the advert for the eating competition and because I can eat the most, they thought they would enter me in it for a laugh. I am gutted that I only managed six — but it has put Ramsbottom on the map.”

Although no records were broken, the day was a fantastic success and I am pleased to say the eating contest hasn’t put me off chocolate at all.

THE RULES.

THE RULES 1. At the start each Ferrero Rocher must be wrapped.

2. The Ferrero Rocher can only be unwrapped during the one minute time.

3. Each separate Ferrero Rocher must be swallowed completely before eating commences on the next one.

4. It is at the attempter’s disposal to unwrap them all at once or as they are eating each one.

5. No drinking is allowed.

6. Only whole Ferrero Rochers completely eaten within the set one minute count towards the record total and witnesses must check the competitor’s mouth is completely empty between eating Ferrero Rochers.