A KEEN gardener, who defied the odds by growing a fruit destined for the topics, has spoken of his delight after he got to taste a pineapple after more than 20 years of tending to the plant in Sherston.

Nicholas Gough, who grew the pineapple at his parent's house, watched the growth of the plant year after year from the moment he planted the top of the shop bought plant in some compost with rooting powder and water two decades ago.

After spotting the small fruit growing at the centre of the crown in March, the Gough's watered the plant with Tomorite tomato food weekly and watched as it changed colours from pink to golden orange and green over a period of seven months.

Mr Gough said: "Everything I touch grows - so I guess I'm 'green fingered' but it still felt amazing to witness the little pineapple grow. It was a beautiful experience and a once in a lifetime triumph. There was always the anticipation of how large she might eventually grow and the mystery of what she might taste like at the end of her life.

"She was picked and eaten on October 4, 2016, which was also my birthday. She was succulently ripe and delicious."

Although the spherical fruit, which weighed a modest 200 grams, was eaten, the top was replanted in the hopes that their success could be replicated in the future.