More than 40,000 pumpkins are heading to Budgens and Londis stores to meet shoppers’ growing demand for different varieties and sizes.

The harvested pumpkins, all grown in Boston, Lincolnshire include the Munchkin mini variety and the Atlantic Giant, an oversized pumpkin usually reserved for growing competitions.

Alisha Keveren, buyer for fresh produce said: “The pumpkin has increased in popularity over the last ten years and sales are growing every year.”

Grower Rob Grant began added: “We’ve grown almost 100,000 pumpkins this year and began harvesting ours during September. Consumer demand for pumpkins has increased and people are no longer satisfied with one type.”