FOREST teacher John Snedden came agonisingly close to reaching the final of TV's toughest quiz.

He was one of three contestants in the second semi-final of Mastermind tied on 25 points but was knocked out because he had three passes while the others both had no passes.

Mr Snedden of Coleford, answered questions on Gloucestershire scientist Edward Jenner in the semi-final.

In the first round, answering questions on the seige of Malta in 1565, he had to rely on being one of the highest losers despite scoring an incredible 32 points.

He said: "I had been thinking of applying for Mastermind for some time but work commitments meant I could give the time to preparing for it.

"It was a very enjoyable experience and off-camera John Humphreys (the question master) is charming."

History teacher Mr Snedden said he became interested in the seige of Malta after a holiday on the island two years ago.

He said: "It isn't very well-known but it was a very important event in European history because it stopped the Turks invading western Europe."

Despite losing on passes, Mr Snedden said he had decided to pass if he did not know the answer immediately. "That way you get more questions in."

Mr Snedden takes part in the Forest of Dean quiz league which held its annual presentation evening at Lydney rugby club on Sunday evening.

Before the presentation of the cups, there was a quiz but Mr Snedden's team – the Rising Sun from Bream – could only manage third place behind sides from the Chepstow Athletic Club and the Live and Let Live in Tutshill.

He said: "There are at least 10 people here who could have done as well as me on Mastermind."

The first division trophy was presented to the Afon Gwy A team from Chepstow and the second division title went to the Rising Sun, Woolaston.