WEIGHING in at just over 1000lb, it was as heavy as five baby elephants and needed a crane to be lifted into place.

The giant pumpkin - grown by Middlesborough man Mal Carter - took top prize at the York Maze at the weekend, as it hosted the North of England leg of the International Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) competition.

The competition was held on Saturday, and and saw Mal take first prize, while six year old Ed Stansfield from Hebden Bridge won the children's competition, which at 86lb weighed more than he does.

Mal said: “I’m thrilled to have won. I’ve been growing giant pumpkins for years but this is by far the biggest pumpkin I’ve ever grown. All those years of pumpkin growing have finally paid off.”

Now Mal's giant pumpkin is now being turned into the UK’s biggest pumpkin carving by professional 3D artist Christian Russell, and will be on display at York Maze as part of their Hallowe’en festival until Saturday, November 1.