A giant pumpkin had to be forklifted into Somerset as it squashed all the competition in the Wookey Hole giant pumpkin challenge.
The truck was required for the competition organisers to deliver the enormous entry to the scales, where it weighed in at almost a tonne.
At 927.5kg, the fruit was the clear winner.
Security guards flanked the prize pumpkin as it was lifted onto the scales to protect the valuable seeds.
Over 50 people entered the competition, which came as a huge surprise to organisers due to the poor growing conditions this summer.
Daniel Medley, Director at Wookey Hole Caves, said: “The number of entries was incredible considering the long summer drought.
“Pumpkins demand large quantities of water and we know some of our local contestants were using cider and apple juice to make up for the lack of rain through the summer.
“We had to employ security guards at the weigh in to ensure people didn’t help themselves to prize-winning pumpkin seeds – which can change hands for thousands of pounds.”
The poor growing season meant that die-hard growers were in with a greater chance of winning the resort’s £1,000 prize for the heaviest specimen.
The overall winner of the competition was Ian Paton from Lymington in Hampshire.
Prizes were also presented for the most perfect pumpkin and also the spookiest carved or decorated pumpkin as chosen by the Witch of Wookey Hole.
