Sandwich shop regulars went head to head in an eating challenge that brought tears to the eyes - and not just because of the chilli peppers.

The charity "gobble-off" at the Wholemeal Sandwich Company on the Medway City Estate saw regulars Ian Gould and Johnnie Simmons attempt a mammoth menu in aid of disability charity The Freedom Centre, based in Sheerness.

Regulars Ian and Johnnie go head-to-head in the chilli eating challenge

The gut busting challenge saw the pair attempt to eat a double chilli cheese burger, followed by four giant crackers, a hot chicken curry with scotch bonnet peppers, four hot spicy chicken wings and a doughnut pudding consisting of two jam doughnuts and a chocolate ring doughnut.

"They were both sweating," said shop manager Denise Ball, but added: "They both enjoyed it."

She said they had chosen to support the Freedom Centre as they had assisted Ian's wife, who had suffered a brain haemorrhage and a stroke, but was given great support by the charity.

"Everyone loved it," she said. "So many people supported them and the atmosphere was great.

"It was really emotional but brilliant. It was the first time we had met Ian's wife, and she was crying at the end when the speeches were given.

"Everyone was cheering," she added. "It was fantastic."

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