Biggest leek in the world proudly displayed by Stanley show gardener

Gardener, John Pearson, has claimed a world record by growing a leek weighing 9.2kg (20lb 5oz) at a horticultural show in Stanley, Co Durham.

Mr Pearson proudly showed off the giant vegetable at the event.

‘I’m very pleased to have set a new record at what is a beautiful show,’ the Sunderland man said.

The retired groundsman is a record veteran having already registered the biggest pair and trio of leeks back in 2002.

The 63-year-old remained humble and said he owed his success to previous winner John Soulsby, who had given him good seeds to use.

'I’m proud to have the world record, but anyone could grow a leek like this – if they had the right pips,' he said.

Mr Pearson checks the weight of his leeks by using a specially adapted machine that is normally used to weigh suitcases.

Other vegetable winners on the day included a 107Ib marrow, a 16Ib 4oz onion and a 54Ib cabbage.


/Metro/