A PUMPKIN so big it had to be moved using a reinforced wheelbarrow has taken star billing at a pre-Hallowe’en competition judged at Alton Assembly Rooms.

The whopping specimen lovingly tended by Mark Hunter took pride of place as the results of the pumpkin-growing competition run by Alton Town Council and Alton Horticultural Society were unveiled three days before the spookiest day of the year.

The competition formed part of this year’s ‘in bloom’ celebrations and a spokesman said the “near perfect” conditions meant it was no surprise when the bumper crop was brought in.

Mr Hunter said: “I’m thrilled to have won the adult category in this year’s competition but did spend the odd sleepless night working out how I was going to get my pumpkin here today for the judging!”

On asking him what he intended to do with the pumpkin now, he advised: “I am donating it to The Railway public house to use as part of a Hallowe’en display where, hopefully, it will bring as much joy to others as it brought to me in growing it.”

Winner of the children’s competition was Amelia Wilkinson, who had grown her pumpkin from seed.

On asking Amelia what the secret was to growing a prize winning pumpkin, she replied: “Well, you need some soil, a seed and plenty of water.”

She went on to say that she was “looking forward to taking the pumpkin back home and carving it ready for Hallowe’en” – with a bit of help from her mum, dad and younger sister.