FOR nearly 30 years it has been an annual fixture between two Hampshire villages situated either side of the A337.

Every autumn the two social clubs at Everton and Milford-on-Sea have vied with each other to see who could grow the biggest pumpkin.

The contest has always been a source of great excitement in both communities.

Now this year's event, due to have been held at Everton Social Club, has been cancelled after the villages found themselves separated by more than a busy main road.

Pumpkin wars have broken out over allegations of cheating by Milford, which walked away with last year's title.

Rivals at Everton were left fuming after Ian Paton grew a pumpkin that weighed in at 819lb - a new British record.

It was so big it took the expertise of the British Army to deliver it to the annual Pumpkin Festival at the Royal Victoria Country Park.

Mr Paton produced his prize-winning specimen in one of the glasshouses at Pinetops Nursery, Pennington, which is owned by his family.

John May, secretary of Everton Social Club, said: "Ian's pumpkin was grown in controlled conditions in a greenhouse, whereas other growers have only got their back garden.

"We suggested a two-tier contest for people who wanted to grow big pumpkins and those who preferred to produce smaller ones."

Mr Paton said: "There was a bit of ill-feeling last year after we beat the British record but there hasn't been any cheating. There's nothing in the rules that says pumpkins can't be grown indoors."

The pumpkin punch-up has also seen allegations levelled against Everton.

Richard Millbery, secretary of Milford Social Club, said: "Every year one particular grower at Everton has produced a whole batch of pumpkins and entered them in the names of various members of his extended family.

"We all know this sort of thing goes on but it seems a pity that it's got so heated."

First published: October 15