A RETIRED champion hop grower has surpassed his personal best with a freak plant that shadows his Burley Gate home.

'JP' Pearson's 30ft giant vine is double the average length and outstrips his gold cup winners at the Ledbury, Tenbury and Trumpet ploughing matches.

The Bullion hop, which 'JP' used to grow for Guinness in London's Park Lane, usually stops growing at 15ft.

Continued as a hobby, 'JP' said he has got hop growing in his blood, and helps out local farmer Charles Pudge.