Tastebuds were tested to the extreme when a group of gardeners hosted a chilli festival.

Members of the West Watford and Oxhey Garden and Allotment Society grew the chillies at the Paddock Road allotments.

They then asked visitors to the Rifle Volunteer pub, in Villiers Road, to taste each one and mark it one to five according to heat.

After about 100 taste tests, each chilli was given an average score and the Dorset Naga was named the Oxhey King of Chillies 2010 with a score of 3.6.

Preparations have now begun for next year's festival, following the inaugural event held on September 26.

John Rowe, trading secretary of the society said: “Next year we hope to open the display out to individuals who make their own chilli jams, sauces, pickles and chutneys and turn it into a festival with proper prizes.

“We did have some chilli sauces for sale and iced chilli cakes that were made especially for us. They were delicious and all sold out.”

For more information, visit www.wwogas.com.