Slindon in the spotlight for its smashing pumpkins

The annual display, which attracts thousands of visitors to the downland village, is up and running.

This year’s spectacular feature, which includes pumpkins, squashes and gourds, is a garden scene and took pumpkin picture-maker Tony Smith about ten days to put together.

“I could not say how many fruits were used, it must be hundreds,” said Mr Smith.

“It is very hard to plan the display as we have to wait and see what the harvest will bring. Especially in terms of colours.

“I am really proud of the end result.”

The year’s display, which measures an impressive 16ft by 16ft, includes a wheelbarrow, fruit trees, a shining sun and buzzards, and it will remain until about the beginning of November, depending on how long the produce lasts.

Mr Smith said the display features more than 60 varieties of fruit, including crown princes, white scallops and acorn squashes.

The autumn event is a celebration of growing on an impressive scale and was started by pumpkin king Ralph Upton.

Following his death his son, Robin Upton, has taken over.

The display is due to feature on the BBC’s Countryfile on October 23, after presenter Matt Baker and his team visited the attraction.

The display, with sales of marrows, pumpkins, squashes and gourds, is open from 10am to dusk daily at 4 Top Road, Slindon.

For further information call 01243 814219.