Journalists raced to finish a foot long sausage roll as part of a regional daily newsroom challenge.

Seven staff at the Swindon Advertiser squared up to devour the pastry, which has been launched by supermarket chain Morrisons.

Taking up the challenge were features writer Barrie Hudson, assistant editor Steve Webb, reporter Joe Hook, chief sports writer Matthew Edwards, political reporter Chris Humphreys, display advertising manager Darren Jackson and media sales consultant Paul Murphy.

Chris triumphed with a time of three minutes and 47 seconds, with the entire challenge being captured on camera for readers.

Advertiser staff prepare for the challenge

Prior to the challenge, those taking part had taken part in a practice run the previous day.

Said Chris: “It was harder than I expected, because the practice one that we sampled yesterday was softer and squidgier. But this one today had been cooked for longer and it was harder and crunchier, which made it more difficult to eat.

“I wish I could tell you what I tasted like, but I ate it so quickly I couldn’t.

“I was looking forward to the battle between sport and news, but unfortunately sport’s only representative dropped out part-way through, meaning that it was two from news who took the first two places.”

In a piece reporting on the challenge, the Advertiser stated that it paid for its own sausage rolls, which Morrisons was not aware were being bought for competition purposes.