Record broken at Alresford's Watercress Festival (From This is Hampshire)

Record broken at Alresford's Watercress Festival

9:39am Monday 17th May 2010 in

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HE’S a record breaker. Home grown builder Sam Batho, 22, beat off international competition to set a world best at watercress eating.

He scoffed two bags of the vegetable in 49 seconds, setting a new record on his third appearance at Hampshire’s annual watercress festival in his home town of Alresford.

Sam, pictured above, who narrowly beat a Brazilian rival, said: “I just do it for a laugh. The first time was purely because my rugby club was doing it. I guess I’ve got a big mouth and I’ve always been a quick eater.”

More than 12,000 visitors flocked to the event in the UK’s watercress capital.

Festival organiser Wendy Akers said: “It’s been the best year ever and has broken the record of 10,000 last year despite the weather. We were delighted. It’s been a really fantastic atmosphere.”