Ref. 28543-17THE search is on for the tastiest pickled onion in Wootton Bassett.

Onion picklers are being challenged to enter their delicacies in a competition run by the Five Bells pub, in Wood Street.

Landlady Becky Cole, 36, came up with the idea after she found out the crunchy snack was frequently a topic of conversation.

She said: "Punters would to sit at the bar and compare the flavours and textures of different pickled onions. We would get chatting and some of them would say their onions were crunchier and stuff like that.

"We thought we'd get them to put their money where their mouth is and organise a competition."

The Five Bells, which is the only thatched pub in Wootton Bassett, sells pickled onions made by Becky's mother Daphne Walker, who lives in Blackpool.

The 61-year-old has won the contest twice during its four-year history.

Becky added: "My mum uses sherry, but I don't know how much or at what stage she puts it in."

There are two cups to be won. The first tests the tastiness and crunchiness of an onion. The second is called the John Best Chilli Challenge, which will be awarded to the hottest onion.

Three independent judges will taste the entries on February 3 at 8pm. Anyone wishing to enter should call the pub on 01793 849422.