Essex gardener to take 1,200lb giant pumpkin 'Gladys' to RHS Malvern

Essex amateur Ben White of Maldon has grown a 1,200-lb giant pumpkin named Gladys and will enter it in the RHS Malvern Autumn Show, with proceeds going to the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Grown in a 60ft polytunnel with careful irrigation after pollination on June 30, Gladys was developing at up to about 40 lb (18 kg) per day. The current world record is 2,819 lb (1,278 kg), set in 2025 by twins Paton. White previously showcased a giant pumpkin at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2021.