'Giant pumpkin has taken over our allotment'

Justin Griffiths and Kay Walker are growing the giant pumpkin on their allotment plot

A Surrey couple say a giant pumpkin they have grown, estimated to weigh 390kg (860lbs), has taken over their allotment.

Justin Griffiths and Kay Walker from Ashtead have grown the winter squash on their plot at the Leatherhead Poors Allotments, in the shadow of the M25.

The pair plan to take it to the UK National Giant Vegetables Championship at the Malvern Autumn Show, but say they aren't yet sure how they will move it.

They estimate a second giant pumpkin on their plot weighs 250kg (560lbs), heavier than a baby elephant.

The allotment is near the M25 in Leatherhead

On the plot they also have tomatoes and leeks. The couple also used to grow carrots and potatoes but "the pumpkins have got so big they've pretty much taken over everything", Mr Griffiths said.

The pair estimated the weights based on three measurements of the pumpkins which can be entered into a website, which then calculates the weight.

Ms Walker said it was "unbelievable" the Atlantic Giant pumpkins had grown so big.

"It's shocked us," she said, adding: "It's going to be be bigger and better every year."

According to the Guinness World Records, the heaviest pumpkin was weighed in California in 2023, coming in at 1,246.9 kg (2,749 lbs).

The record was confirmed by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth.

At 2024's Giant Vegetables Championship organisers say 12 Guinness World Records and two UK/EU records were awarded, including the heaviest sunflower head at 7.046kg (15lbs) and the longest turnip at 4.8m (15ft 10in)

The championship will be held from 26 to 28 September.

While giant pumpkins are not generally thought of as good for eating, that wasn't a problem for Mr Griffiths.

"I don't even like pumpkins," he told BBC Surrey.

The pair need to come up with a plan to move the pumpkin at the end of the month, which may include either using an engine crane or "lots of people with tarpaulin", Mr Griffiths added.