Sprout-eating man fails in record bid

A man has failed to set a new world record for eating Brussels sprouts.

Richard Townsend, 24, of Exeter, hoped to eat as many sprouts as he could in a minute.
He fell seven short of the target of 43, which was set in December 2003 by Dave Mynard from London.

Mr Townsend, who had eaten a plate of sprouts every day for the last six months as training, said he just "lost it".

According to the BBC he said: "I do not think I could face another sprout for a few days."

He had peeled then cooked the sprouts for four minutes in order to ensure they were exactly one inch in diameter.

But the record set by Dave Mynard, from London, still stands. Mr Townsend's bid raised £250 for charity.