CUSTOMERS are guaranteed more than just a warm reception at one country pub.

For what started as a challenge between a few regulars at the Hare and Hounds, in Belmont Road, Abbey Village, has now become an institution.

Over the past year, The Three Seas Society -- chillies, cheese and conversation -- have been meeting monthly to test their taste buds' resilience to furnace-hot chillies.

The veterans of the Wednesday-night sessions even talk of getting a chilli "hit" from such legends as Dave's Insanity -- a chilli-based paste.

But now the 20 members have widened their culinary range with an interesting range of cheeses, augmented by salamis, pates and a recent addition of kangaroo jerky. Cheese is said to have soothing properties essential in combating the heat of the chillies and pickles.

Jim Walker, an original member who lives in nearby Hoghton village, said: "It all started when one of the regulars sent away for some hot chillies called 'who dares burns' and there was a challenge to see who could eat them. Then others started bringing in pickles and chillies and the whole thing grew. We've moved on from just finding the hottest around. They have to be tasty as well."

He said it had become something of a challenge for people to find something new and there is even a roulette jar full of mild and hot chillies for those who like to gamble.

Jim said: "It's not an anorak-type thing. Nobody takes it too seriously. It is just fun even though the chillies do become addictive."

Seamus Starrett, who lives at nearby Withnell, remembers his first taste of a hot chilli: "I thought it was salad that was a garnish on the plate when I first tried it. It was the hottest thing I'd ever tasted. There were tears coming down my face and my mouth was that numb I couldn't speak."

But the pub's assistant manager, Stephen Kirby, said said: "I hate chillies, but I reckon I'd have a go if they asked me and show them all up. I'd have to put on a brave face." PICTURE: Jim Walker (left) loves sampling red-hot chillies at the Hare and Hounds, but assistant manager Stephen Kirby (below) is a bit more doubtful