By Gillian Ellison

Published at 11:11, Thursday, 25 October 2012

THIS giant 801 lb pumpkin is so big that it took six people to lift it ready for transformation into a spectacular jack-o’-lantern.

scary stuff: Chef and owner of The Waterfont Simon Haslam gets to work on the huge pumpkin. Faye Dudgeon (9) is very impressed – if not a little scared!

It’s causing quite a sight at The Waterfront restaurant on Whitehaven’s harbourside. Pumpkins usually weigh less than 20 lbs.

Adrian Romea, restaurant manager, said it was a bit of fun to help celebrate some Halloween parties they were holding.

It’s the second largest pumpkin in the UK and was the prizewinner of a national competition.

Arriving on the back of a truck this week, it was taken into the bar area where carving has been taking place.

“We wanted to bring a bit of cheer and a bit of fun,” said Adrian. “I’m not quite sure how we are going to light it yet though!” he laughed.

The carving was quite a challenge, being expertly carried out by restaurant owner and head chef Simon Haslam.

PUMPKINS have been banned from a Halloween turnip lantern contest at Whitehaven library which is keen to avoid American influences and stay with local traditions.

The contest is part of a spooky event on October 31 (3pm-6pm), open to all ages but especially those who enjoy traditional customs and a good spine-chilling tale. There will be stories from Taffy Thomas and apple-bobbing too, all accompanied by a glass or two of bat’s blood. There is no charge but you need to let them know if you are planning to go.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk