WHEN it comes to growing radishes, gardener John Metcalfe is pretty hot stuff.

He collected first prize in his local pub show with two monsters almost 3ft long and weighing more than 7lbs each.

For good measure, he also produced the top leek at the show at the Black Bull pub, Wolsingham, Weardale.

It was the first time that the local leek show had featured a special class for the heaviest radish.

John said it took him more than three months to grow his giant specimens from seed.

He planted them at the end of his leek trench so they thrived on the secret potion he fed to his leeks.

"They are pretty ugly looking things and are not everybody's cup of tea," he said.

"I have tried eating them, but they are a bit too hot for my taste."

Landlord and chef at the Black Bull, John McGinnety, said the radishes were actually mooli, used in Chinese and Japanese cooking, particularly as an ingredient in stir fried dishes.

"I have used them myself in cooking and they are a bit hot," he said

"But I have never seen any as big as John's."

Mr McGinnety said there were nine entries in the radish class and the section would certainly be featured in the event again next year.

"Giant radishes could become all the rage at shows all over the place," he said.