A ROSS farmer is growing asparagus for a major High Street retailer a month early ­– thanks to new growing methods.

John Chinn, at Cobrey Farms in Coughton, has worked with Marks and Spencer to develop a new way of growing asparagus and extend the traditional UK season by growing the vegetable under tunnels and using new cold resistant varieties, so the crop doesn't need to be heated to launch earlier.

British asparagus is not normally in season until late April/early May but thanks to a mild winter this year with no snow and new growing methods, it has been available in Marks and Spencer stores for the last two weeks.

John said: "We are really excited to have our British asparagus ready this early as it means Marks and Spencer customers can enjoy this lovely delicacy a whole month longer than the traditional season."