KEEN gardener James Packer continues to be surprised as his lilies simply get taller and taller.

Mr Packer, of Tornio Close, Devizes, has been growing flowers, including lilies for more than 15 years.

But he was astounded when four Connecticut King Lilies grew to six feet last year and now stand eight foot tall.

Mr Packer, 67, grew them from bulbs he bought from the Whitehall Garden Centre near Chippenham.

He said: "I bought two bulbs and they were big, about the size of a large clenched fist.

"When they grew to six feet last year I couldn't believe it and I thought they would grow to that height this year but when they got to six feet they carried on growing and they are now about eight feet high.

"I grow lots of lilies and they normally grow to 18 inches."

Mervyn Reed, of Whitehall Garden Centre, said: "The Connecticut King Lily normally grows to three feet, maybe four feet in exceptional conditions. For it to grow eight feet is unusual. It must be a good bulb."