AN EXHIBITION in Wem has been launched to celebrate the history of Henry Eckford and his famous 'sweet pea'.

The Eckford sweet pea is a type of climbing plant, developed during the 19th century by Mr Eckford.

Mr Eckford was born in Stenhouse in Scotland in 1823 and spent much of his career working as a gardener for various Scottish and English estates.

While working as head gardener of Sandywell in Gloucester in 1870, Mr Eckford began experimenting with plant breeding and around 10 years later work on developing the the sweet pea began.

In 1888 he moved to Wem, where he established the Eckford Nursery and continued development of his plant.

His continued his work for another 17 years, until his death in December 1905, having earlier in the year received Victoria Medal of Honour by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Wem continues its association with Mr Eckford and his sweet pea, up until recently holding a festival celebrating the plant.

In 2019 the Eckford Sweat Pea Society took the decision to end the annual competitive competition because of a lack of new members.

But support for the plant has continued and last weekend, mayor of Wem, Councillor Peter Broomhall attended the opening of an exhibition into the life and times of Mr Eckford.

Cllr Broomhall said the display would stand for a week, in honour of Mr Eckford.

He said: "I was invited to open the Eckford medal centenary sweet pea display in Wem Town Hall on Saturday, July 10.

"The display will stand all this week for people to view.

"Wem is very proud to be associated with Henry Eckford, who was reputedly the most famous breeder of Sweet Peas."