If you can't stand the heat – get out of the chilli-eating competition.

That was fitting advice for the nine brave contenders who stepped up to put their taste buds to the test with some insanely piquant peppers.

Saturday's competition was one of the highlights of a Fiery Foods Festival in Victoria Gardens, Brighton, over the weekend.

After signing a disclaimer, the competitors sat lined up on a stage set at the front of a large marquee in front of a baying crowd.

The last man standing, just, was 27-year-old Guffy (real name Gareth Boughtwood), a student from Preston Park.

Thanks to his tenacious taste buds and enthusiastic team of supporters, he won through to claim the £50 first prize drenched with sweat and with a face as red as the nagas he had been munching.