These beautiful white and pink flowers only last 24 hours and will most probably have wilted and died by the time you read this.

In bloom - Anne Horne admires here cactus which has sprouted an amazing 14 blossoms this year instead of the normal four or five Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

Ann Horne, 69, has had this cactus for 15 years and it has never produced more than five flowers, which only last a day before drooping.

When it produced an amazing 14 flowers yesterday Mrs Horne, of Havering Close, Great Wakering, was delighted.

She said: "Five of my neighbours came round to see it and I've been told it's very rare."

Published Monday, June 16, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo