A MAN who won ‘longest rooted carrot’ in the 1977 Gateside Flower Show is celebrating 40 years of his win by donating £40 to this year’s prize.

Douglas Boatman, who runs Scottplants Limited in Beith, won the title when he was just a teenager with a carrot measuring around two-and-a-half feet long.

He is making the generous donation for the lucky longest carrot winner at the 2017 event, which is due to take place this month.

Douglas said: “I thought it would be a nice idea to donate £40 for the longest carrot class courtesy of me and Scottplants.

“It’s the last show of the season, it’s always had a lot of support and it’s a community event well worth supporting.

“I think it’s important that we keep these things going.” The Gateside Flower show will be held this Saturday, September 9. All welcome.