Records are set to be smashed at York Maze when giant pumpkin growers gather to find out whose prize entries are top of the crops.

The venue will be hosting the North of England stage of an international giant pumpkin contest on Saturday, October 25.

The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth competition will mark the first day of York Maze’s annual Hallowe’en Festival which continues until the following Saturday.

Ian Paton, the UK’s record- breaking pumpkin grower, said the contest was recognised internationally as the home of giant pumpkin growing.

“There are around 75 sanctioned GPC weigh-off sites across the USA and Canada and another twenty across Europe,” Ian said.

“Our mission is to encourage people to grow giant pumpkins, so we’re delighted that having York Maze as a North of England site will help inspire locals to get involved.”

Maze owner Tom Pearcy is offering a £2,000 prize – the biggest in the UK – for anyone who can set a new British record.

Competitors will also be in line for European and international prizes including £3,585 for whoever clinches the world record.

To get your free seeds email info@yorkmaze.com with your name and address and a brief explanation of why you would make the perfect pumpkin grower.

Winners will receive seeds plus advice on how to grow a record breaker.

The current UK record for the biggest pumpkin is held by Dorset champion Mark Baggs.