Surely at a time when obesity levels are soaring and an ever increasing cost to the NHS, having an annual competition to decide who can eat the most hotdogs - the winner eating eight in three minutes and 30 seconds, is hardly showing a responsible attitude.

Surely a local newspaper ought to consider carefully whether to feature it.

Clearly you think it’s worth featuring.

Apart from the obesity aspect, this sort of competition encourages gluttony and surely there is a real risk of choking.

I don’t think the Guinness Book of Records accepts any more of these silly eating competitions and quite right too.

Perhaps next year Clacton should consider a competition to decide who can eat the most spinach in a session rather than hot dogs ?

Michael O’Neill

Clacton