THE first of the outdoor asparagus is being harvested in Herefordshire.

Farmer Kier Rogers of Hampton Bishop has delivered his first supplies to Redbridge Foodservice, based in Hereford, a company which sources local food and supplies hotels, pubs and schools in the county.

Kier, who has been growing the vegetable for five years, said the asparagus had arrived early this year and he hopes to keep cutting into June.

Jamie Wright, sales manager of Redbridge, said 25 per cent of its asparagus was sold during the current seven week period.

Locally grown asparagus is very popular and sales are increasing annually by 20 per cent.