Hosts of locally grown golden daffodils will be for sale in selected East of England Co-op stores from this weekend.

South Norfolk grower Alan Harris has joined forces with the independent retailer's Sourced Locally team to supply five of his local stores.

Mr Harris, aged 72 a retired farmer from Tivetshall St Margaret, will supply a range of daffodil varieties direct from his farm to stores in Long Stratton, Eye, Wickham Market, Framlingham and Debenham.

'I've been growing daffodils for nearly 30 years and I'm delighted the East of England Co-op has asked to supply my flowers in its stores. I personally deliver them direct from my fields to the shops and because they are so fresh, and haven't travelled far, customers will be able to enjoy the blooms for up to ten days.'

In almost five years, the East of England Co-op's Sourced Locally range has grown from a few suppliers to more than 130, bringing over 2,000 local products into stores.

Last year, Sourced Locally sales grew by 30pc – demonstrating just how important local suppliers and the Sourced Locally brand are to the Society, its members and customers.

Kevin Warden, Sourced Locally manager, said: 'Alan's daffodils are being grown virtually on the doorstep of many of our stores in Norfolk and Suffolk and so it makes complete sense to get them in our stores so that local people can enjoy them.

'This year the mild climate has helped bring the flowers on a few weeks early - so we hope our Members and customers will be inspired to buy a locally grown bunch of flowers to bring the spring sunshine into their homes or give to a loved for Mother's Day or Easter.'

His daffodils cost £1 for every hand-picked bunch.