AN amateur gardener is keen to show off his 14ft blooms.

Harry Wright, of Golborne, has been growing sunflowers for 40 years, but has never experienced the success of this year's crop.

The garden at his Barn Lane home has been taken over by a 14ft sunflower with 16 heads on it.

"I planted 24 seeds and lost all of them, so I thought I'd throw another six in and this is the result."

Although the flowers have attracted the attention of the neighbours, who invite friends round to see them, Mr Wright has not entered his giant sunflower in any competitions. He said: "They are just for pleasure and I'm very proud of them. I've always loved sunflowers, I have pictures of them in my lounge."

Mr Wright does not know the secret of this year's success, but he has been using Miracle Grow, so that could be the key.

"I like gardening, but I wouldn't call myself a keen gardener because I can't pronounce all the names! I just like to have a nice garden," he said. TALL ORDER: Harry Wright needs a ladder to reach his 14ft sunflower