Newquay man wins cheese race up Dorset's Gold Hill

A man from Newquay has won a traditional cheese-carrying race up one of England’s steepest streets.

James Ferrier was the fastest competitor in the under-44 category at the Gold Hill Cheese Race in Shaftesbury, Dorset.

He completed the challenge in just over 16 seconds, carrying a 23kg round of cheese up the famous cobbled hill.

Gold Hill, known for its appearance in the Hovis bread advert, stretches for around 150 metres with an average gradient of 21%, making it a demanding test of strength and stamina.

James had travelled to Dorset for the weekend to visit friends and only discovered the competition on arrival. He says he keeps fit through surfing.

After receiving his prize of cheese, he said he hoped to celebrate with a pint of St Austell Brewery’s Korev lager.

He told colleagues at Shaftesbury radio station and podcast This is Alfred that he plans to return next year to defend his title.

The race forms part of the annual Shaftesbury Food Festival and attracts competitors and spectators from across the region.