COMPETITIVE eaters put their tastebuds to the test at the return of the Colchester Chilli Challenge.

A dozen brave members of the public challenged reigning champion Matt Wilson at the fourth edition of Colchester Market’s annual event.

Over the course of several devilish knock-out rounds, competitors faced super spicy dishes including Trinidad Moruga Scorpion mash, which measures a whopping 2 million on the Scoville scale.

In comparison a Vindaloo curry is believed to measure around 100,000 on the scale.

Market traders like the popular Mex Appeal got involved in the fun, serving up their super spicy loaded nachos and falafel bites for diners.

This year the challenge was opened up to new challengers with all of the dishes being suitable for vegans.

The competition came down to a special eliminator round involving reigning champ Mr Wilson and newbies Chris Miller and Rhian Tokely.

It was a close contest, by Mr Miller was crowned the grand champion after video replays were examined.

Martin Goss, councillor responsible for waste, environment and transportation, said: “This year’s Chilli Challenge was great fun and we were so pleased to extend the competition, now in its fourth year, to the wider community by making the challenge 100 per cent vegan.

“Congratulations to Chris Miller, the 2020 Champion.

“Huge thanks, also, to Lion Walk Shopping Centre for providing the location for this year’s challenge and making it more accessible for competitors and supporters alike.”

Challenger Davina Bamford, who had encouraged Colchester Market to adopt a vegan version of the competition, added: "It was a great event, really tasty dishes, and I look forward to trying again next year.”

Mr Miller received a chef experience prize courtesy of Compleat Caterers.

Runner up Rhian Tokely bagged a Skippers Hot Pepper Sauce hamper for her efforts.