Bottle Inn licensees forced to postpone the world championships until August 4 because of the London Games

Plans to stage the world stinging nettle eating championships at Marshwood later this month have been postponed – because of the Olympics.

Licensees George Thomas and Nigel Blake, who are working to re-open the village’s 16th century Bottle Inn, had hoped to hold the event there on July 21.

But the equipment they need to supply soft drinks is currently not available because suppliers are too busy installing it in other venues for the London Games.

Said Mr Thomas: “The date for the nettle competition is now is August 4.

“This will give us time to get the bar open beforehand and up and running for a week.”