Cabbage unmatched: Gardener's 50lb vegetable

AN AMATEUR gardener has grown cabbages that tip the scales at a staggering 50lb.

Jimmy Hill planted his heirloom cabbage seeds in May and watched in disbelief as one of the vegetables, dubbed "The Hulk", grew to span 5ft in width.

Mr Hill, 53, yesterday revealed he would feed the cabbages, which need to be hacked out the ground with a hacksaw, to neighbours.

The grandfather-of-six, of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, said: "I reckon that by the time they split and are ready for cutting out they should be around 80lb.

"They're a good talking point and neighbours often ask to come round and have a look. From leaf to leaf they must measure at least 5ft across and are still growing.''

Mr Hill also grows giant onions, carrots and cucumbers in the modest rear garden of his home, which he shares with wife Jackie, 51. Picture: Brad Wakefield