GO WILD WITH ERIC PAYLOR

IT was pleasing to see some proud giant hogweed breaking into flower on a Teesside riverbank last week.

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Giant hogweed is often persecuted because the plant's sap contains a toxin which can cause burning, blisters and sensitivity when it comes into contact with the skin.

But hey, lots of garden flowers, such as iris, lily of the valley, foxgloves, daffodil bulbs, cotoneaster berries, hydrangea and wisteria all contain different types of toxins, along with many others.

None of these plants are removed for reasons of toxicity so it's great to see a few giant hogweeds getting on with their lives. My photo shows one such plant just starting to move into full bloom.