Mansfield Woodhouse gardener Joe Atherton, left, has grown his 12th Guinness world record.

It was a turnip for the books at the Malvern Autumn Show as his turnip was measured at 4.064m in the CANNA UK National Vegetable Championship.

“Every time you plant a seed you hope it’s going to break a world record,” said the 64-year-old.

“It’s brilliant to have won another record. I’m just delighted.”

Joe, who is retired, grows his giant vegetables in his back garden with the help of his wife, Carmel.

“I planted the seed in May, using guttering to grow it out,”! said Joe. “But it’s Carmel who does the cleaning, which is crucial because she makes sure it doesn’t break. It’s true what they say, behind every man there’s a better woman.”

Judge Martyn Davies said it was great to see a new world record broken at the show.

“It’s been a tough season for growing, but every grower still comes here with the hope they have broken a record, and it can be just a millimetre that makes all the difference,” he said.

“We’re delighted with the entries this year and it’s great to see all the benches full of quality giant vegetables.”

More than 4700 entries were made at the Malvern Autumn Show, including 1,800 grow to show and 600 giant vegetables.

Run in association with Westons Cider Mill, Malvern Autumn Show is a two-day celebration.