EVER wondered what happened to the flitch of bacon won by the American couple at this summer s flitch trials? Well, last Thursday it was cooked and served up to well over 100 people at Foakes Hall in the name of a very special charity. Jeff Dotts and his

EVER wondered what happened to the flitch of bacon won by the American couple at this summer's flitch trials?

Well, last Thursday it was cooked and served up to well over 100 people at Foakes Hall in the name of a very special charity.

Jeff Dotts and his wife Erin Albers came to Dunmow from Nashville, Tennessee, for Dunmow's premier event back in July and managed to win a side of bacon after convincing a jury that they had been madly in love for a year and a day and had never wished themselves unmarried.

They wowed crowds gathered in the court room on Talberds Ley by singing a song praising the competition and the town.

Mr Dotts said: "Dunmow is a wonderful place and we really took it to our hearts, we would love to come back one day."

Unfortunately, due to customs laws forbidding the any movement of meat on commercial aircraft, the couple were not able to take their prize back to the USA, and so it was agreed to host a thanksgiving hog roast to raise money for the 'Over the Wall' charity for which both the Americans work tirelessly.

Flitch judge and hog roast organiser, Michael Chapman, said: "All the money raised will go to the charity as it was agreed with the couple before they left, they had wanted to come over and share it with us, but they sadly couldn't make it. Everyone still had a great time, with line dancing in the hall, and we wish our new American friends all the best. Hopefully the cash raised will be a big help."

In total over £1500 was raised on the night, and even after expenses, well over £1000 is to be sent to the charity. The man in charge of the cash, town councillor and Rotarian Philip Milne, said: "Obviously we have to deduct a few expenses like catering but the total was a super amount and it was great to see everyone having such a good time.