France, March 23 -- What do you get if you combine620kg of cheese, 350kg of charcuterie and a tonne of potatoes? The answer is the world's largest ever raclette feast - a certified triumph achieved inthe south-eastern French city of Saint-Etienne.

Although its origins are Swiss, raclette is very popular in France - particularly in mountainous regions - where people gather around a special grill that slowly melts the creamy cheese, which they then scrape off onto boiled potatoes, pickles, onions and cured meats.

Like its cousin, the fondue, it's a dish best enjoyed in a social setting; there's no such thing as a raclette for one.

Organisers of the event in Saint-Etienne, not too far from Lyon, took the concept to new heights last Sunday...