Frank Wyer, from Kirkby Underwood, gets a surprise when his Gardener's Delight tomato seeds from Marshall Seeds grow into plants stretching about 10 ft

When green-fingered Frank Wyer bought some tomato seeds earlier this year, he didn’t expect his plants to grow quite so vigorously.

But within a few weeks his greenhouse in Kirkby Underwood was absolutely bursting with the Gardener’s Delight variety.

The 89-year-old said: “There were five seeds in the packet so I gave three away and planted the other two in about March.

“For me they normally grow gradually but these just shot up.

“They have filled up at least half of the greenhouse and have even grown up a set of steps that I was keeping in there.”

As well as being tall, the plants have also ventured outwards, stretching about 10ft across.

“It’s like a carpet of tomato plants,” added Frank. “I’ve never seen anything like it and I’ve been gardening for years.”

On the packet, Marshalls Seeds say the tomato plants should reach a height of about 6ft 5 and are ‘highly economical’ at £1.89 a packet.

Michelle Kenna, general manager at Marshalls Seeds said: “It’s been a favourable year for tomatoes, and with the right balance of water and warmth they will grow very well.

“Some of our colleagues at Marshall Seeds have also reported good growth - Gardener’s Delight is a popular variety.

“We’re delighted for Mr Wyer that his plants have grown so well.”

Click here to read more of the latest news.