A GARDENER nearly broke the world record - with leeks the height of a child.
The pair of blanch leeks measured about 4ft and towered above the competition at the Middlestone Moor Leek and Flower Show.
They were grown by John Hayton, 62, at his allotment near his home in Kirk Merrington, County Durham. At 309 cubic inches each, they were 15 cubic inches off the world record.
Mr Hayton has not given up on the record and thinks he may have some even bigger leeks to show at a festival in Kirk Merrington, this weekend.
Mr Hayton's winning formula was regular spraying with pesticides and fungicides - and a lot of tender care.
Anne Everson, who helped organise the show, said: "The standard at the show was amazing. John Hayton's entries were very, very good. He must talk to them."
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