World's largest onion at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show

The onion grown by gant vegetable specialist Peter Glazebrook from Newark weighed 18lb 1oz and beat his own world record by two ounces.

Mr Glazebrook’s onion was  one of an array of giant vegetables.

Harrogate strongman Jonathan Walker took on the challenge of lifting some of them yesterday, including a giant marrow which weighed as much as a small person.

Other giant vegetables included cabbages which filled a wheelbarrow, runner beans which were almost a yard long, and giant tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes.

Judges at the show rated gardens and borders which had been created specially for the event.

Martin Fish, director of the Harrogate Flower Shows, said: “The show borders were launched last year to offer our visitors affordable, but inspirational, ideas for their gardens. We have even more entries for visitors to enjoy this autumn and the standard just keeps on getting higher.”

Top honours went to Cambridgeshire designer Jeni Cairns, who won premier gold for the second year running with her garden section, Contemplation Corner.

Winners in the traditional garden border category included Green With Envy, by Craven College, Skipton, Bordering On The Edge a recreation of the grounds of Harewood House, by head gardener, Trevor Nicholson.

In the garden section, a memorial garden based on Ripon Walled Garden, won silver, and ‘O’ Naturelle by New Leaf Landscapes, Johnny Clasper and Baldersby Plant Centre in Thirsk won gold.

The show runs until Sunday.