CHAMPION pumpkin grower John Perkins, who was Devizes born and bred, has died aged 92.

Mr Perkins, of Nursteed Village, took up growing pumpkins after retiring and loved to pass his knowledge on to young people.

He once held the UK record with a pumpkin that weighed 774.5lbs but he took delight in seeing children at local schools doing well with their own attempts at pumpkin growing.

In 2015, just weeks before his 90th birthday, he was honoured for his ability to grow flowers as well as vegetables when he won the back garden section of Devizes In Bloom after his son, also called John, entered him without his knowing.

He said at the time: “It was a complete surprise and a bit of a shock. I like my gardening and it keeps me fit and gives me something to do.”

Mr Perkins, a divorcee, leaves a daughter Gillian Townsend as well as his son, five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

He grew up in Nursteed Village and went to Southbroom Secondary School. During the Second World War he was a member of the Home Guard. His son said: “His stories about his time in the Home Guard were like the goings on in Dad’s Army. He loved to talk about it.”

For many years he worked on the land at Old Park Farm and later became a self-employed builder.

He became a stalwart of flower and produce shows and both of his children remember him winning at the annual Chivers flower shows.

His daughter remembers him always producing giant pumpkins for Halloween and carving them for grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He also supplied the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon with pumpkins when it put on performances of Cinderella.

His son said: “He loved passing his knowledge on growing on to youngsters. It was really in the last 20 years that he started growing pumpkins. He went to school in Devizes and knew lots of people.He used to tell us stories about how they had swimming lessons in the canal.”

He judged a pumpkin contest at St Joseph’s Primary in 2001 and said: “Growing pumpkins is not as easy at it looks and there are lots of pitfalls. But they have followed my advice and produced lovely vegetables.”

A private funeral service on September 28 will be followed by a celebration of Mr Perkins’ life at St John’s Church at 3pm to which everyone who knew him is welcome. A wake will be held at the Conservative Club. A collection will be made for the British Heart Foundation.