Cheese that was an awesome day

The sun was shining as giant cheese rolls, plus a few of the competitors, took a tumble down 'Cheese Hill' in Eltham on Saturday morning.

Close to 1000 spectators and competitors attended the highly anticipated Eltham Cheese Day and Michael Jago organiser of the event says the day was a "huge success".

Eltham Cheese Day is a biennial event where competitors race wheels of cheese in the hope of taking home the first place prize.

The day started at 9am, with market stalls set up at the top of the hill with a range of food and activities for families to enjoy. The first event of the day was between Eltham and Kaponga Fire Brigades. Each team was positioned to race down the hill, strap their 'patients' into a stretcher and get them back to the top.

Eltham brigade won the event in 2013 and were back this year with some new faces however it was the Kaponga brigade that won on the day with a dramatic dive across the finish line by brigade members.

Michael says, "the fire fighter challenge is always a highlight of the day, with both brigades having a win under their belt the competition is going to be tight next time". Michael adds that he would like to see this event grow, "we would love to see some other emergency service teams join the event or even some other brigades from around the region, everyone is welcome".

56 competitors throughout six races took on the steep slope as they raced a wheel of cheese down the hill. While many competitors took tumbles down the hill, Michael says he is happy to report that there were no injuries on the day and racers went home with a range of prizes for their efforts.

For those who were too young to take on the mighty hill just yet, there was a mouse hunt throughout Eltham where the children had to find mice in the shop windows to win a prize.

Judith Rodgers, of the organising committee, says the committee are very grateful to the sponsors, Taranaki Electricity Trust, Eltham Four Square, Fonterra, More FM, and Eltham Business and Professional Association. She adds the committee would also like to thank the Lions Club, Eltham Fire Brigade and other volunteers for their help towards another successful day.

- Winners: 7-10 year boys: Adam Till, 7-10 year girls: Heidi Sextus, 11-13 year boys: Loka Manu, 11-13yr girls: Brooke Whitaker, 13-18 year boys: Malachi Monahan, 13-18 year: Caitlin Harrison, 18 and over mens: Kane Bretherton, 18 and over women: Miranda Taylor.