SMASHING pumpkins abounded at the Jubilee Sailing Trust's Pumpkin Festival at the Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley.

Among the 40-plus categories to attract pumpkin-growers from across Hampshire were heaviest, largest circumference and best-matched pair.

Specimens on display ranged from bite-sized beauties to huge 200-pounders, and there was also a healthy crop of artificial pumpkins plus other arts, crafts and floral designs with a pumpkin feel.

The Woolston and Sholing branch of the Women's Institute produced an incredible 50 different pumpkin dishes, which were sold on a try-and-buy basis.

Other attractions featuring a pumpkin theme included children's story-telling, a slide show, raffles, a barbecue and plenty of pumpkins for sale.

Organiser and secretary of the trust's Southampton branch Sonja Davison said: "The aim of the festival is to raise the profile of the humble and historic pumpkin and show how beautiful and versatile a vegetable it can be."

All proceeds will go towards buying new equipment for the Woolston-based trust's two tall ships, The Lord Nelson and Tenacious, which sail on voyages manned by disabled and able-bodied people.

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