American man wins world porridge-making contest

London, Oct 12 (ANI): An American man has won the 'golden spurtle' after he emerged victorious in the world porridge-making championship in the Scottish Highlands on Sunday.

Matthew Cox, who travelled all the way from Milwaukie in Oregon for the contest, impressed judges in Carrbridge, Strathspey, with his version of the traditional oatmeal dish.

A spurtle is a wooden spatula-type utensil used in making the dish.

Cox even beat last year's winner, local man Ian Bishop, to claim the 2009 championship title and lift the coveted trophy.

Environmental researcher Anna Louise Batchelor, from Reading in Berkshire, won the speciality porridge category.

Organisers said this year's championship, sponsored by oatmeal producers Hamlyns of Scotland, saw a line-up of contenders from across the UK, as well as Sweden, Canada and the USA.

The competition coincided with the first ever World Porridge Day, aimed at raising money for hungry children in some of the world's poorest countries.

Cox, who represented food company Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods, was presented with the trophy from Miss Scotland Katharine Brown.

He also got a 350 pounds hotel voucher and a 250 pounds spending money form Hamlyns.

"We came over here to celebrate our passion for porridge with the Scots and we are just elated to win the world title," the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

"We have had any amazing time in Carrbridge and there's no doubt will be back again next year to defend the title," he added. (ANI)