GARDENING enthusiasts hailed a record-breaking performance at a popular annual leek show yesterday.

The Darlington Champion of Champions' Leek Show was held at the East End Workingmen's Club, in Neasham Road, over the weekend.

The competition was staged for the 58th year, attracting entrants from the Darlington, East End, Cockerton, Harrowgate and Hopetown clubs.

This year will be remembered for the contest's biggest ever leek.

Tony Holden, of East End WMC, grew the victorious specimen, which measured 275 cubic inches. Show secretary Colin MacKenzie said yesterday: "We've been going 58 years and it's been great to see the record go.

"There were about 100 people at the event and it's just what the show needed.

"We are also very grateful to the show's sponsors."