Nightclubber chokes to death in freak fairy-cake eating contest accident

Adam Deeley, 34, collapsed in front of other guests, when five of the cakes became lodged in his throat.

Nightclub staff and other guests tried to revive graphic designer Adam but were unable to clear his blocked airways.

Police were today investigating the death but say it was a "freak accident".

Detectives plan to interview other guests who took part in the cake eating competition at the Monkey Cafe in Swansea, South Wales.

The tragedy happened at the end of a party to raise funds for an exhibition by a local artist.

Guests said a lot of buffet food had not been touched and guests decided to hold the eating contest.

One reveller said: "Quite a spread had been laid on and when the party finished in the early hours there was quite a lot left over.

"Someone suggested seeing how quickly they could eat the mound of fairy cakes that were left.

"But suddenly one of the bar staff started choking."

Trained first-aiders at the bar battled to free Adam's airways but they were unable to bring him around. He was later confirmed dead at Swansea's Morriston Hospital.

Adam, of Birmingham, had recently finished a graphic design at Swansea Institute and had worked at the cafe bar for the last year. He was off-duty at the time of the tragedy.

In a statement, club owners Amanda Davey and Paul Dyke said: "We are all devastated by this tragic accident.

"Adam was loved by his co-workers and friends at the Monkey cafe - we are all in shock.

"It was a tragic accident and very sad and should serve as a cautionary tale.

"Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family."

Flowers were laid outside the cafe bar yesterday with many bearing tributes to Adam's sense of fun and happy personality.

Adam's family travelled to South Wales at the weekend to identify his body.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: "There are no suspicious circumstances and a file is being prepared for the coroner."