Prize pumpkin takes giant title

Gerrard Wright has entered the competition before

A 640lb (290kg) pumpkin has been named winner in an annual Lancashire contest.

The Mere Brow Giant Pumpkin Competition has been running for 13 years and has previously seen UK records broken by its entrants.

Gerrard Wright, of Tarleton, scooped the 2007 All England trophy with his giant specimen, which was 100lbs (45kg) heavier than last year's winner.

"There's a lot of local rivalry. You don't tell anyone you've got a big one," Mr Wright said.

The Mere Brow record was a 912lb pumpkin grown by eight-year-old Liam Cupit and James O'Hanlon, 10, in 2004.

Mr Wright said his win was a "complete surprise" as he had entered the competition several times before without success.