A DEDICATED horticulturist with a knack for growing giant pumpkins has branched out into another field.

Jimmy Reid has already won national titles and even has a reputation in America, where the current world record holders have learned to keep a watchful eye on his massive creations.

The biggest pumpkin Mr Reid has managed to grow weighed an incredible 678lbs. His greenhouse had to be dismantled and it took eight men to load it on to a trailer just so it could be taken for weighing.

There are more giant specimens growing in his greenhouses in Gilling West, near Richmond. North Yorkshire, at present.

But this year, the 81-year-old former demolition man is also rather proud of his tomatoes.

Other gardeners may struggle and fuss over the vines for months to pick enough for the fridge and the family.

Mr Reid, on the other hand, has nurtured another monster.

"I planted it some time in April and I've just been keeping an eye on it since then,'' he said. "There's no real secret to it, except the type of seed and a bit of care."

The tomato with a 23in circumference, was taken off the vine and carried carefully to the village post office, where it weighed in at 4lbs 9.5ozs.

"It's not the British record I was hoping for," said Mr Reid.

"That was something like ten ounces heavier.

"However, I've promised the lads from Stokesley Show tomorrow that I'll bring it along. There isn't a class for tomatoes but they thought people might want to see this one.''

However, Mr Reid has confirmed he won't be giving up.

"When they've finished with it, I'll take out the seeds and have another go at the record next year."