Giant runner bean sets world record

Derek Hulme previously broke the record for the world's longest leek

A gardener from Stoke-on-Trent has set a new world record for the world's heaviest runner bean.

Derek Hulme's effort, confirmed by Guinness World Records, saw the giant vegetable top the scales at 196 grams (6.9oz) - about the same as a cup of sugar.

It was measured at the Canna UK National Giant Vegetable Championships in Malvern, in September.

Mr Hulme also holds the world record for the longest leek.

"It really is amazing what you can do on a little plot of land in Stoke-on-Trent,” Mr Hulme said.

He also thanked fellow giant vegetable grower Peter Glazebrook for sharing the runner bean seeds with him.

Mr Glazebrook himself currently holds the world record for the longest runner bean - 89.7cm (39in).

Derek Hulme has an allotment plot in Sneyd Green

Mr Hulme said he had had "the bug for growing plants" since he was a child and that an allotment provided the perfect place to do this.

“Allotments really do unearth the very best in people and the community," he said.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said it had 80 allotment sites containing approximately 3,086 plots.