'My big squash needed its own transport operation'

A forklift truck and a van had to be used to transport a vegetable grower's supersized squash to an autumn show.

Lee Herrington, from Wollescote, Stourbridge, appealed for help with getting the vast vegetable 30 miles (48km) from his allotment in Leys to the Malvern Autumn Show in Worcestershire.

With the aid of firms GTA Access and Guest Truck and Van, a forklift lifted the 226kg (500lb) squash into the back of a van before it was driven to the Three Counties Showground on Thursday.

The seismic squash received a runner-up prize in the Canna UK National Giant Vegetables Championship when the results were announced on Friday during the show.

Mr Herrington, who has been growing vegetables competitively for 10 years, told BBC Radio WM that he felt relieved when they managed to get it strapped into the van, for what was then dubbed Operation Squash.

"I couldn't thank them enough," he said before heading to the show.

"We're in a situation now where we're about to head to Malvern and the next stage is the scales.

"I'm looking at it and it looks even better than I thought it was."

Lee Herrington needed help transporting his giant squash to a vegetable show

The Malvern Autumn Show began on Friday with 65,000 visitors expected to attend before it finishes on Sunday.

Six Guinness World Records have been awarded during the event, including:

• Tallest luffa plant, 11.672m - Graham Barratt

• Tallest runner bean plant, 8.006m - Peter Glazebrook

• Longest radish, 7.848m - Joe Atherton

• Longest aubergine, 49cm - Peter Glazebrook

• Longest sweet pepper, 26.7cm - Kevin and Gareth Fortey

• Heaviest celeriac, 8.01kg - Chris Marriott

Show manager Kate Dufton said she was "over the moon" with the number of world records broken this year.

"It's a real testament to the dedication and passion of the growers," she said.

"It's fantastic to see so many visitors inspired by the fun and possibilities of growing your own food, especially when it comes in giant form."