WHEN it comes to prize-winning vegetables, Tom Henshaw certainly knows his onions.

For Tom, 69, of Blackburn Road, Ribchester, has won champion prize in the National Vegetable Society annual show.

And his secret is singing to his veg! "That's how I get my onions, leeks and carrots to grow so lovely," he said.

"They have certainly done me proud this time."

The event, in Tunbridge Wells, attracted fierce competition from growers across the country.

Tom won the class for six onions over 250gms, for which he received a plaque and shield, then went on to win the champion prize and received a trophy and medal.

It is the second time Tom has won the top competition, the first being at Great Malvern in 1997.

The delighted gardener, who grows his prize winners vegetables in his allotment in Ribchester, is off to the Great Northern Show at Harrogate on Saturday, where he is hoping to repeat his success.

During the Tunbridge Wells event, William Hargreaves, of Whalley New Road, Blackburn, was installed as president of the National Vegetable Society.

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