A LAUNCESTON man has unearthed a whopping garlic plant, possibly setting a new world record.

With heavy rain and gale force winds appearing to be a normality of this summer, anyone would be surprised if even the most proficient of gardeners could grow a good crop, but this is exactly what one amateur gardener from Launceston has succeeded in.

Andy Reeve, owner of St Leonards Equitation Centre at Polson, is an expert when it comes to horses, but couldn't believe his eyes when he dug up one of his latest garlic plants.

The elephant garlic species is a member of the leek family, explained Andy. It is a larger type of garlic, but they are usually half the size of his latest addition which weighs a total of 1.4kg (3lbs 1.38oz) and measures 1ft 4ins in diameter.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.