Champion grower Bryan Nellist took the R Harland Challenge Cup with the 35 dram (2.19oz or 62g) berry.

But there was some controversy as to whether it had beaten Cheshire's Kelvin Archer's 16-year-old world record.

However, after verification, Bryan's Woodpecker berry beat the record by the smallest or margins – just over two grains or 0.1g.

Ian Woodcock, a show spokesman, said: "The winning gooseberry exhibited at the 2009 Egton Bridge Old Gooseberry Show has now been officially recognised as a new world record by Guinness World Records.

"The entry reads as follows – The world's heaviest gooseberry weighed 62.01g (2.19oz) on 4 August and was grown by Bryan Nellist of Egton Bridge, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom."

Mr Nellist was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press but his wife, Margaret, confirmed he has had a letter authenticating his feat.

She added they were both absolutely thrilled.

This year's show will be held on Tuesday 3 August at St Hedda's Schoolroom in Egton Bridge.

* For more details log on to: www.egtongooseberryshow.org.uk