PENSIONERS at a block of retirement flats have been marvelling at a giant sunflower grown by a resident.

Rosemary Askew, of Chelwood Close, in Chingford, grows sunflowers every year but was taken by surprise to see this one grow to 12ft 4ins high - right up to the first floor window.

The grandmother said: “They don't usually get as tall as this. It is wonderful.”

She said her two grandchildren, Lucy and Charlotte, aged 12 and nine, started growing sunflower seeds as part of a school project and gave her a small plant to grow in her garden.

She said: “I just watered it every day and left it to its own devices, then it started growing and growing.

“Not it is the talk of the place, the centre of attention, and everyone is wondering how tall it will get.”