British expat wins porridge crown

A British expat has been named the porridge-making champion of the world at the 19th annual Golden Spurtle awards.

Benedict Horsburgh, 45, who is originally from Twickenham, London, and now lives in Oldenburg, Germany, scooped the top prize at the World Porridge Making Championship.

Competitors from countries across the globe including Denmark, Sweden and the US came to Scotland to take part in the event, which was held in the village of Carrbridge in the Highlands.

The entrants were whittled down to the final 16, and the winner was announced on Saturday.

Mr Horsburgh said he started making the oatmeal dish to provide a "good and solid" start to the day for his three daughters, who encouraged him to enter the competition.

Last year's winner, John Boa, from Edinburgh, failed to defend his title, but prevailed in the People's Choice category, which was added to the bill this year, while Laurie Figone, from California, scooped the Speciality Trophy.

World Porridge Day is to be held next week, with fans around the world expected to join in the international celebration.

In Scotland, fundraising events will take place in aid of Mary's Meals, a charity which feeds more than 500,000 of the world's poorest children.