A pumpkin grower from Lymington, Hampshire, has achieved a new world record with a giant squash. Ian Paton entered his specimen into a giant vegetable weigh-off near Reading, Berkshire.
The pumpkin weighed 2,856.8lbs (1,295.8kg) and measured over 20ft (6m) in circumference. Its record-breaking size was officially confirmed by Guinness World Records judge Sebastian Suski.
Mr Paton, 65, stated that growing the pumpkin, named Bagheera, involved up to six hours of daily care and approximately 130 gallons of water. He has grown giant pumpkins with his twin brother Stuart for over 50 years, but this was his first solo entry into the competition.
The pumpkin is currently on display at Sunnyfields farm near Southampton for the next few weeks. Following its display, Mr Paton said it would be used as feed for cows.