Scientist hoping to become world's best porridge maker for second time

Dr Simon Rookyard, from Tyldesley, is competing in the 26th Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championships in the Scottish Highlands on Saturday.

The scientific consultant previously claimed the golden spurtle in 2015.

Simon, 29, said: "This is my 11th time in the championships and porridge has become a major part of my life.

"My friends now know me as 'Porridge Boy'.

"I am hoping to win the golden spurtle again but competition will be stiff as there will be six returning champions taking part.

"I've never won the speciality competition before but I'm hoping this will be my year."

Away from perfecting servings of porridge, Simon also plays bass trombone for Tyldesley Brass Band.

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The championships in Carrbridge attract dozens of professional and amateur chefs from across the world.

Cooks compete in two categories – making a traditional porridge with only oatmeal, water and salt as well as creating their own speciality porridge.

The 30-strong line up includes competitors from Sweden, Germany, Russia, Ireland, Norway, France, Poland, Wales, Scotland, England, Belgium and Canada.

The judges were unable to select an outright winner in 2018, and the title was shared between two Swedish competitors, Calle Myrsell and Per Carlsson, both of whom are returning this year

It was the second year running that the golden spurtle had gone to Sweden.

The reigning speciality winner is Chris Young, owner of Perthshire Oatcakes, who wowed the judges with his Scottish tapas platter.