Truffle wars break out in quiet woods

Top hunters' festival clash

- BY JAYA NARAIN

A BITTER war has broken out in tranquil woodlands between two premier truffle hunters after they launched rival festivals a week apart.

Melissa Waddingham claims her “protege” Ben Sweet used her expertise to set out on his own and stole her secret truffle spots.

The feud came to a head when Mr Sweet’s UK Truffle Festival in Hickstead, West Sussex, was held last weekend — just one week before Ms Waddingham’s Great British Truffle Festival in nearby Plumpton.

His festival was declared a success, attracting hundreds of visitors.

As a result, Ms Waddingham said ticket sales for her festival today are well down on what she expected.

She said she was heartbroken when she found the clash and accused her rival of timing his event to derail hers.