Third-heaviest pumpkin in the world to star at Darts Farm's Pumpkin Fest
'Baloo' weighs 1,258kg and could make around 1,500 pumpkin pies
A giant pumpkin, now ranked the third-heaviest ever recorded, is set to be the star attraction at this year's Pumpkin Fest.
Grown by Hampshire-based giant vegetable grower Ian Paton, the pumpkin, named 'Baloo', took first place in the pumpkin category at the UK National Giant Vegetables Championship at the Malvern Autumn Show in September.
'Baloo' will be exclusively on display at Darts Farm's Pumpkin Fest, bringing an extra-special seasonal spectacle to this year's autumn celebrations.
Weighing an astounding 1,258kg, the pumpkin could make an estimated 1,500 pumpkin pies, according to Darts Farm.
It weighs the same as one Mini Cooper, two Devon Red Cows, or thirteen Michael Darts, the farm said.
The seed for the giant pumpkin was only planted in April this year.
The summer's heatwaves fuelled 'Baloo's growth, with the pumpkin tended to in a greenhouse that saw temperatures soar to 40 degrees on the hottest days.
At its fastest, the pumpkin grew by as much as 32kg a day, Darts Farm said.
Pumpkin Fest runs on selected dates throughout October, from 10am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 3pm.
The event will run on 10th and 11th October, 17th and 18th October, 24th and 25th October, and from 26th to 31st October.