ONE of Wales’ most hotly-contested culinary challenges is taking on a new flavour this year.

The Cawl Cooking Championship of the World….and Elsewhere attracts thousands of visitors to Saundersfoot as part of the village’s St David’s Day celebrations.

This year, the event is re-styled as The Saundersfoot Cawl Factor 2016, with the ‘Cowell’ going out to the public’s taste-testers to reserve the date of Saturday March 12.

“The cawl championship is one of the highlights of Saundersfoot’s calendar, and was previously held as part of our annual St David’s Food and Craft Festival,” said Phil Odley, chairman of Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism, which organises the event.

“This year, we’ve decided to hold a one-day event with the championship as a highlight, which will also feature free attractions throughout the day at the Regency Hall, including displays and demonstrations by craft makers and producers; children’s entertainment and a busking corner to showcase local musicians.”

As always, the cawl trail will take place around various eating establishments in Saundersfoot, where gallons of the Welsh delicacy are cooked up in cauldrons to be served to the hungry public.

Last year, over 350 people set off on the trail with their commemorative cawl bowls, all eager to sample the varying flavours of the traditional dish and cast their votes.

Entry to the trail is £5, and will start and finish at the Regency Hall, which is also the pick-up point for entry forms for the Dragon Trail and treasure hunt around businesses in the village.

“It looks like being a really fun day for everyone in Saundersfoot, as well as a good way of boosting pre-Easter trade,” said Mr Odley.

*Local entertainers who would like to apply for a 30-minute entertainment slot in the hall on the day can contact Mr Odley on 07967 002467 or email saundersfootchamber-tourism@yahoo.co.uk