A LAKE District shop owner has claimed the new record for the heaviest marrow in the north west.

Chris Sands, owner of the Shell Shop at Waterside, near Ambleside, won Far Sawrey’s giant vegetable show by growing a marrow to the weight of 66kgs.

Even his second entry of 57kgs would have been enough to beat the previous record, which according to officials at the giant veg show in Harrogate, was 56kgs.

Chris, of Far Sawrey, said: “I am very pleased to not only beat Sawrey ‘s record but also the whole of the Northwest. It’s obviously due to our unique, superior soil here in Sawrey, plus of course lots of muck from my neighbour’s farm.

“You need to get the right seeds for this type of thing, but it’s also very important to properly prepare the ground with manure and ingredients such as bone meal.

“Once the marrow starts growing regular watering is essential. 

“It is possible to grow a big marrow the first time you try like local resident Gabriel, who won first place in the heaviest local marrow class with a 102.5lb whopper.

“People come from far and wide to compete at Sawrey, like the Flookburgh growers who are keen as mustard and are always very strong competition.

“It makes the show all the more interesting and there's always lots of banter.

“Proceeds from the marrow show go to local charities.

“My wife and I have run the Shell Shop for 42 years and she does a lot of the other vegetables. We mainly exist off food in the garden.

“After the competition we went over the road to the pub for a drink to celebrate - the best way to do it.”