A banana has been grown in a Sutton back garden.

The fruit, indigenous to the tropical region of south east Asia and Australia, has sprouted in the West family’s garden “We couldn’t believe it when we saw it,” said Brian West, of Sandy Lane in Cheam.

“We don’t pay it any special attention so it is wonder that it has produced fruit this year. It is perfect timing with the garden opening this weekend.”

Brian and Pam West open their third of an acre garden every year to raise money for charity, but this year’s event will have an especially subtropical feel.

Guy Barter of the Horticultural Advisory Service, says it is down to London’s unusual climate. “London has a very special climate, it is much warmer than the surrounding terrain. It is unusual to grow bananas and it usually takes some doing. People tend to over water their plants, but it gives people immense pleasure when they do manage to grow the fruit.”

Although the London climate helps the banana, Mr Barter says it is also due to climate change. He said: “The mild winters we are having are allowing the banana plant to survive over winter and the warmer summers are improving the chances of it fruiting.”

The couple’s garden will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 5.30pm at a cost of £2.50 for adults but admission is free for children.

“There are cannas, bamboos, palms and tree ferns for people to see as well as the bananas and some of our plants and trees are over 200 years old. Last year we had nearly 4,000 people visit over the two afternoons,” said Mr West.