NEARLY 30 years after entering his first competition, Stephen Jeffries proved he is still the vegetable king as he won the biggest pumpkin prize at Ardley and Fewcott Gardening Club’s annual flower and produce show on Saturday.

The 47-year-old’s pumpkin weighed in at 45lbs, but even that was outdone by his marrow, which weighed 50lbs.

Mr Jeffries said: “I have been growing since 1986 and I win a lot, which proves I am a successful vegetable grower.

“I have won at Ardley about 11 times and this year I also won best tomatoes in show and best cherry tomatoes in show.

“I am not going to give away my secrets: Just give them plenty of TLC and water.”

More than 250 exhibits were on display at the 30th year of the show and there were 87 different categories of competition for fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Club secretary Jean McGarry said: “We had 42 exhibitors and about 150 people came through to see it. The judges thought the vegetables were of a particularly good quality.”

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