ACRES of colourful delphiniums are being harvested and turned into confetti on a county farm.

The purple, pink and fuchsia delphiniums are grown on 12 acres at Wyke Manor Farm, near Pershore, and are the brainchild of owner Charles Hudson, who was inspired one day nine years ago when he saw a petal falling from a tree.

Now, more than 7,000 "pints" of the biodegradable confetti go to brides and their guests all over the country each year, under the name of the Real Flower Petal Confetti Company.

"Charles spent six years trying to perfect it and sort out the flowers that would work," said Glenda Watts, who mans the office with four other people.

"Delphiniums hold their colour very well, and they keep indefinitely," said Ms Watts.

"They are a naturally dry flower anyway and the confetti will last for more than a year.

"Brides even send us samples of their dresses so we can co-ordinate the petal colours!"