A BACKWELL man has been named the proud winner of the Chutfest in Ilminster - after entering the first batch he had ever made.

Edmund Goodland, aged 73, of Rodney Road, won a hamper of cheeses, chutney, spices, wine and biscuits as well as a preserving pan engraved with his name, which he can keep until it is handed over to the winner of next year’s competition.

Edmund also won a trip to Wiltshire chutney makers Tracklements to see his chutney recipe being put into limited production. National Trust shops will be selling it next year.

Since his retirement, Edmund has been making jams and marmalades but decided to branch into chutney as well.

His recipe includes red peppers, tomatoes and chilli. After winning the competition he said: “I feel as though I’ve won the lottery.”

Earlier this year Edmund also won two bronze awards for his marmalade at the World’s Orange Marmalade Festival in Dalemain Cumbria.