IT WAS squaddies versus coppers at Newport Indoor Market at The Big Curry Charity Event.

Organised by Rachel Masterman from Rachel’s Curry Kitchen, the event was held on Saturday to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) and HCPT charity that offers trips to disabled and disadvantaged people.

Gwent Police challenged army members to the eating competitions which included eating a poppadom as quickly as you can, eating four chillies of varying strength up to the Naga Ghost Chilli, and phall eating, which contained the very hot Ultra Death Sauce.

Army personnel travelled from Raglan Barracks, Beachley Barracks and Bristol to attend.

Last year the event raised £200, and Ms Masterman was thrilled to have beaten her target by raising around £300, but the final figure is still being worked out.

She said: “It was fantastic. I can’t believe how many people came to take part in the challenges and to just support the event.

“We are really pleased with how it went- it was a lot of fun.”

Taking the winning titles were poppadom eating challenger Sgt Mike Smith of Raglan Barracks, eating it in 54 seconds, while Martin Davies, who is a regular customer of the curry kitchen, took first place in the chilli eating contest after eating all four- a finger chilli, Bird's-eye chilli, Scotch Bonnet Chilli and the Naga Ghost Chilli.

Speaking after claiming the title, Mr Davies, said: “I like chillies so it was alright- my strategy was to just get it in and gone.”

Challenger CSO Peter Walker, pulled out after the third chilli, adding: “It’s so painful- never again.”

While another customer, Chris Daniel finished two bowls of very hot phall to claim the winning title.

Newport councillor, Chris Evans, who tried his hand at the poppadom challenge and completed it in one minute 15 seconds, said: “It’s great to see so many people turning out to support the event and to support small businesses who are supporting charities- it’s Newport at its best.”

Newsagent Jon Powell said: “The poppadom challenge is so much harder than it looks as it sucks all the moisture out of your mouth and you just can’t swallow.

“The challenges are simple ideas but goes to show you don’t need expensive events to get the community together- it’s fantastic.”