WHERE can you find Britain's best barbecue? Rodbourne.

Outdoor cooking fanatic Alvin Harris and his family and friends stormed the British Barbecue Championship at the weekend and have been named grand champions.

Alvin, his wife Amanda, children Sean and Kelsie and friends wowed the judges at the event with their succulent chicken, 18-hour smoked brisket and homemade sauce.

Life-long barbecue devote Alvin decided to put his skills to the test while enjoying a drink with friends Mark Hopper and Cliff Grace at their local, the Dolphin, in Rodbourne Road.

American Alvin, who was born in Louisiana and lived in California until he moved to Rodbourne to marry Amanda said he has barbecue sauce in his veins.

"Barbecuing is in my blood. I love everything about it. I think it comes down to that man, fire, thing. But I love all kinds of cooking.

"That's how I won over my wife, with my cooking.

Alvin and the rest of Dr Sweetsmokes Smooth and Slow BBQ Team will now get the chance to compete for the international title in the Jack Daniels world contest, in Tennessee.

During the contest in Ilminster, Somerset, teams had to compete in a series of tasks, then their food was judged for flavour, tenderness and appearance.

"There were ten other teams, but we were the best, the grand champions," said Alvin.

"We came first place for our home made sauce, first place for the chicken and runner up for the brisket."

Alvin used his own specially designed smoker barbecue, made from an old oil drum to cook the food for the contest.

The bottom of the drum is filled with a special selection of woodchips, then the food gently smokes and cooks on top.

"The smoke turns blue when it is just right and the term used in the industry is sweet blue smoke, so that's where the name came from.

"And I'm the doctor."

Alvin said the secret to his winning cooking style was to relax and enjoy yourself. "If you cook it slowly over a nice low heat it always comes out nice and juicy."

Alvin's children Kelsie and Sean, and school friend Mark Bowell, 12, took charge of creating a special dessert, that also had to be cooked on the barbecue.

The title of barbecue champion has made Alvin a hero to his family.

Sean, 13, said: "It is lots of fun getting father and son time over the barbecue and the best thing is when you get to eat it."

Mark said: "My mum didn't believe me when I came home and said we won."

Kelsie said: "Dad made us do the washing up.

"But there's no bad jobs when you're barbecuing."