AN ASPARAGUS grower near Ross-on-Wye has pioneered an new way of growing British asparagus to extend the traditional UK season.

John Chinn's crop can already be found in Marks and Spencer's food outlets, almost a month earlier than usually expected.

He has pioneered an environmentally friendly production system which means his Wye Valley Asparagus, grown at Cobrey Farms in Coughton, near Walford, is ready early.

Mr Chinn said: "We are really excited to have our British asparagus ready this early as it means M&S customers can enjoy this lovely delicacy a whole month longer than the traditional season.

"We really want to drive the British asparagus industry forwards and do this in the most sustainable and natural way."

He grows the vegetable under tunnels and uses new cold resistant varieties, so the crop doesn’t need to be heated to launch earlier.

The new production system also includes harnessing the sun's energy (not artificial heat) to stimulate crop growth, and the use of water-capture whereby water run-off from the farm is channelled using a network of grass-lined waterways that are then captured into an on-farm reservoir and the water used again on the farm, reducing soil erosion and water usage.

British asparagus is not normally in season until late April/early May.

M&S said being able to source British grown asparagus for a longer period reduces the carbon footprint and provides crucial support for the UK farming industry and that the UK grown asparagus is sweeter and more flavoursome than imported varieties

M&S vegetable expert, Chris Ling, said: "There is always an air of excitement when the first British asparagus comes into season as it signals the beginning of spring. This year our customers will be able to enjoy it even sooner."

The Chinn family also produce an English sparkling wine, Castle Brook Vineyard Classic Cuvee, which has won a host of awards.