HELEN and Stuart Astbury, the new licensees at the New Inn in Winterbourne Monkton, are keeping an old custom alive by hosting Cabbage Sunday at the pub on October 6.

It dates back to October 1965 when villager Charlie Garrett, who had been boasting of the monster cabbage he had been growing to the scepticism of the other New Inn regulars, finally produced a cabbage weighing 28lb and measuring 10ft in girth.

It was auctioned at the flower show at the pub when the auctioneer, Ralph Lees, topped the bidding to pay seven shillings (35p) for the huge vegetable.

But that was not the end of the cabbage. It was taken to the Greyhound pub in Pewsey where it was again auctioned and raised several pounds for the Tedworth Hunt.

The event became known as Cabbage Sunday and has continued through the years. Since 1969 the money raised from it has been divided between the Over 60s' club and Wiltshire Blind Association.

Mrs Astbury said: "When we heard we had to organise this event, I was absolutely terrified, but everyone in the village has been so helpful.

"I think it is a lovely tradition and we are very pleased to think we are keeping it alive."

For more details phone Mrs Astbury on (01672) 539240.