Hundreds of people flocked to Ipswich town centre to get their hands on a free hot dog as The Hot Sausage Company celebrated its 25th anniversary today.

East Anglian Daily Times: Huge crowds gathered for free hot dogs as The Hot Sausage Company celebrated its 25th anniversary.Huge crowds gathered for free hot dogs as The Hot Sausage Company celebrated its 25th anniversary. (Image: Archant)

Queues reportedly stretched back beyond Debenhams from the stall in Tavern Street as news soon spread of the free giveaway.

Andrew Bavington-Barber, director of The Hot Sausage Company, said around 1,000 hot dogs were given away before they ran out at 2.45pm.

“It has been a successful day,” he said.

“People walking past thought there would be a catch but there isn’t! Everyone seemed really pleased.”

He admitted when he set up the company in 1989 that he could not envisage reaching the 25-year milestone.

“I think we will still be here in another 25 years – but I might be the little old man who comes in on a Saturday!”

Ryan Sheppard, 21, of Ipswich, was one of the hundreds who queued up for a free hot dog.

“Everyone in Ipswich knows about The Hot Sausage Company. They make great hot dogs. I don’t know what they do to make them better than any other hot dog I’ve ever tasted,” he said.