A NINE-year-old boy has won a Kendal in Bloom award for growing a sunflower more than three times his own height.

David Procter, of Vicarage Park CE Primary School, scooped the prize for tallest sunflower with his monster 12 ft 2in bloom.

The bright yellow flower, which David grew in his back garden, was a whole four-inches taller than its nearest rival.

He said: "I won the prize last year for my sunflower which was 10ft 3.5in tall and this year I just kept hoping it would grow as big."

The sunflower competition is part of Kendal Pride, an annual campaign to bring a splash of floral colour to the town.

After dishing out seeds to local primary schools in early June, the gardening centre Holmes of Natland returned to measure the tallest contenders and last week announced the winners.

David's mum Trish said he has taken an interest in the garden since he was old enough to potter about with her and he was quite proud to have won two competitions in a row.

David will be presented with his second shield by Kendal Town Mayor, Coun Tom Clare.