AS the countdown to the Newent Onion Fayre continues, organisers have announced the winners of the schools' poster competition.

Entries for the contest were judged by the fayre's committee. The first, second and third prizewinners were awarded £8, £6 and £2 respectively.

At Tibberton School, Drew Smith was the winner, followed by Sarah Buckland and Nicola Thurston. At Picklenash Junior School, the top prize went to Sarah Phillips, with Jenny Lister in second place and Laura Price in third.

Naomi Cracknell won the title at Glebe Infant School, ahead of Chloe Venn and Josh Taylor, while at Pauntley School Alan Reed was named champion, with Eleanor Grace-Dall in second and Ellie Puggs in third.

There are more prizes up for grabs at the fayre itself when the children's fancy dress competition takes place. The theme for this year is 'a TV character of your choice'.

A similar theme runs through the shop window competition. Firms are encouraged to dress up their frontages to resemble a TV programme of their choice.

Judging will be by a member of Newent Camera Club on the evening of Wednesday, September 3.

Perhaps the most difficult contest to stomach will be the onion eating competition. The aim of the contest is to guzzle six ounces of raw peeled onions in as fast a time as possible. Taking on all comers will be Brian Duffield, who has been champion for the past two years with a best time of 1 min 31 seconds. Entries will be accepted on the day.