A POPULAR leek show contestant has won yet another award.

Michael Ridley, from Haltwhistle, won first place at the Haltwhistle Comrades Leek Club show with his 294.45 cu ins leeks.

He has been participating in leek shows for 35 years, and continues to win awards at a number of local shows.

Speaking of the secret to his success, Michael said: “The secret is there is no secret. It’s about selecting good quality leeks, seed them yourself and treat them like children over the summer.”

After the shows, Michael said the leeks are turned into compost in preparation for growing next year’s competitions.

John Bowan, from Brampton, came second with his leeks measuring 233.43 cu ins.

Gary Noble, from Brampton, finished third with his leeks measuring 166.93 cu ins.