Scary monster turns out to be a fungus

George and the giant fungus

LITTLE George Hopkinson could hardly believe his eyes when he spotted a bulky shape lurking in a patch of nettles at his family’s farm . . .

The curious 12 year old thought he had discovered a giant mushroom but further investigation revealed a giant puffball — another type of fungus.

The organism was so big George called his father Brian to examine the 8lb, 38in monster.

George, who lives at Higher Harrop Cross Farm, Uppermill, and is a pupil at Saddleworth School said: “We found a puffball on our farm last year — but it was small. This was a giant.”

Former park ranger Tim Edge said the giant puffball can grow from four to 12 inches in diameter, sometimes even bigger.

George delivered his find to Julian Taylor of the nearby Church Inn - who turned it into a mouth-watering feast with steak, shallots and garlic in white wine