A GARDENER'S giant pumpkin will compete against the biggest in Britain this week.
Six strong men and a forklift truck will be needed to move the huge vegetable, grown by pensioner Jimmy Reid.
Mr Reid, of Gilling West, near Richmond, an 82-year-old former demolition man, is well known for his horticultural expertise.
The biggest pumpkin he has grown weighed 678lb.
He believes this year's specimen will tip the scales at an impressive 600lb, but he won't know until he gets to the Monster Pumpkin Challenge in Hertfordshire, on Thursday.
He thinks he has a good chance of coming home with first prize. He said: "I've talked to other growers and they say it's been a bad year for them - this could be the biggest in the country."
Other giants in his green house include colossal cucumbers and huge sunflowers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article