A NORTH-EAST grower has set a world record for the biggest pair of leeks.

John Pearson, 54, of Elvet Green, Hetton-le-Hole, near Sunderland, produced vegetables measuring 365.7 cubic inches compared with the previous record of 339 cubic inches. He set the new standard at last weekend's CIU show at Federation Brewery, Dunston, Gateshead.

His success also brought a cash boost as he won £750 in prize money from the show, following on from a £300 win at a show in Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, and £600 won at a show held at Easington Colliery, County Durham.

The leeks, which will be entered in the Guinness Book of Records, are on display at Easington Lane Workmen's Club.

John, who has been growing leeks for 30 years, said that breaking the world record was an amazing feeling, adding that it "takes a lot of hard work and a lot of practice to grow decent-sized leeks".

He said: "You always dream of beating the world record and I do have a good trench this year. I keep a diary and I knew the leeks were bigger than last year."

The self-employed contractor got into leek growing when he started courting his wife, Linda, whose father and grand-father introduced him to the hobby. The couple recently celebrated their pearl anniversary.