A fruit that has its roots in ancient legend is thriving in Hullbridge.

Rare - Ken Church tends his pomegranate tree Picture: MAXINE CLARKE 4EFRN9

For the past 16 years, Kenneth Church, 66, has nurtured a pomegranate tree in his garden in Williams Green.

He said the plant had flourished in the Essex town for many years before that, thanks to the tender loving care of his brother.

The retired bricklayer said: "My brother has left the area now but he had one for I don't know how long. But it had blown down.

"I took a shoot from it, covered it in hormone powder like a rooting compost and planted it."

For a tropical plant to flourish in this part of the world is unusual, because the pomegranate is normally at home in the climates of India and the Middle East.

Published Friday September 3, 2004

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