A PARTICULARLY plump pumpkin has been cultivated by a North-East gardener.

Measuring a massive 210cm around its circumference, the sizeable squash takes pride of place in the garden of Rachel Dent.

Mrs Dent, 82, from Low Dinsdale, near Darlington, thought about entering the vast vegetable in this weekend's country fair, in nearby Hurworth.

She was put off after concerns that someone could hurt their back if they tried to carry the pumpkin any great distance.

Mrs Dent, will have entries in some other classes, including floral displays and painted boxes.

She said: "My daughter and I decided this summer to do something in the garden, because it had been a bit neglected.

"We thought it was a courgette when we first planted it, but it has just grown and grown. It's amazing."

Thousands of people are expected to attend the fair, at Hurworth Grange, on Saturday.

It will feature a display by the 3Sixty trick cyclist team.

There will be entertainment for all age groups, with dog racing, ferret racing, cookery demonstrations, a children’s entertainer and animals.

Expert archers will be demonstrating their skill and inviting visitors to try their hand and there will be medieval re-enactments.

There will be more than 50 stalls and a fairground.

Entry to the event, which runs from 10.30am to 4pm, costs £3 for adults and 50p for children.

If the pumpkin proves too hefty for the weekend's event, there's always Halloween...