The challenge was set by Boughton Parish Council and saw villagers young and old presenting their prize pumpkins for consideration.

David Cooper took the title with his effort which weighed in at a huge 31kg (around 4st 10lb) while the junior competition was won by 15-year-old Matthew Morton and his 6kg (13lb 3oz) pumpkin.

pumpkin princess

Fiona Robinson was crowned Pumpkin Princess, thanks to her pumpkin-inspired costume on the day, and the 14 youngsters who took part were presented with their very own trowels and bulbs so their green-fingered success can continue.

Parish council chairman Cllr Frank Reid, who organised the event along with Geoff Proctor, was thrilled with the success of the challenge and is now looking forward to next year’s competition to see who can grow the tallest sunflower.

He told the Lynn News: “It started after someone put a message on the noticeboard asking where all the pumpkins had gone.

“We had a talk about it and decided to have a contest to see who could grow the heaviest pumpkin. It went very well.”

The event made £125 for parish funds and it is hoped British Sugar will match the amount raised.

Organisers would like to thank Marshalls Seeds for donating pumpkin seeds for the competition and XL Scales, in Downham, for providing the scales used for judging.

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