A PURBECK farmer is celebrating after growing a monster record-breaking marrow, which tips the scales at more than 200lbs.

Mark Baggs’ marrow, which in terms of weight is a new British record, is also the second heaviest marrow to be grown in the world – in history.

Weighing in at 200.6lb, Mark’s marrow is just six pounds short of the current world-beater, which was grown in Holland in 2009.

Mark, from Worgret Manor Farm, Wareham, said he was delighted to reclaim the record he held 15 years ago.

He said: “I planted the seed at the beginning of June, then harvested it last Saturday for the weigh-off in Southampton.

“It was a growers only affair this year, because of the coronavirus.”

“Years ago, back in 2005, I held the world record for a time.

"I lost that to a Dutchman a few years later and have been chasing the world record ever since.

“I’ve been gradually clawing my way back now.”

The world record marrow was grown in the Netherlands by Brad Wursten.

Mark said he’ll be taking on Brad’s record again next year.

In terms of his latest record-breaking vegetable, the seeds are in high demand.

Mark said: “My marrow seeds are renowned worldwide. I donate them to various clubs, they get sold at seed auctions over the winter.”

When asked what his secret to growing such large marrows was, Mark said: “A lot of it is hard work, timing and experience.

“I’ve been growing since 2005 and I can spend four hours a day at it after work.”

Back in 2013 Mark also grew the UK’s heaviest pumpkin – another monster weighing 1,520lb (689kg).

The giant pumpkin needed to be hoisted onto a trailer with lifting gear before being driven to the show for judging.