There are many, many puns associated with potatoes, but none of those mattered a jot to villagers from Bishop Monkton and Burton Leonard as they recently eagerly collected one bucket and one potato from the Vicarage in readiness for competing in this year's Great Potato Challenge. The Grand Reveal of the heaviest overall crop, most potatoes produced and the heaviest individual potato takes place on September 14th, so for the next four months there will be many a pampered potato being cosseted, nurtured and cajoled in secret corners of local gardens.

Over 80 buckets have been collected so far and with just a few buckets still remaining there is (just about) still time to enter. Simply click to send an email and arrange a suitable time to pick up a potato and bucket. Cost of entry is £10 and proceeds from the event, which is organised by the churches, will be shared between St. John's Church in Bishop Monkton, St. Leonard's Church at Burton Leonard and this village's Methodist Chapel.

Last year's runaway winner out of 88 entries was Dave Whincup whose crop won in several categories – heaviest crop, heaviest individual potato, and most potatoes (49!) . He has been sharing advice and tips with this website and said he had no problem with passing on his personal pointers as he was looking forward to “being given a run for my money”.

His advice includes keeping the plant well hydrated, especially when in flower. The plant should be kept cool. If the leaf feels crispy it needs a drink and should look, in technical lingo “floppy”. Keeping it near a tomato plant, which needs regular watering, can act as a reminder that the potato is also in need of refreshment.

“Be aware the bucket can get very hot” warns Dave, going on to say “A good idea is to place the bucket inside another bucket for protection”.

Dave could well have serious competition this year, the second time the challenge has taken place. Also intending to enter is his 99 year old father, Frank, born and bred in Burton Leonard, but now living in Harrogate.

The world record for growing the heaviest potato belongs to a Nottinghamshire man who, in 2011, grew a potato weighing in at 4.98kg or 10lbs 4oz.

And as the 80th anniversary of VE Day is celebrated, it is perhaps worth a mention that fish and chips were the only food not to be rationed during the second world war.