SUCCESS tastes good for a green-fingered father-of-two whose vegetables are sold in supermarkets across the country.

Hartlebury farmer George Moule started farming asparagus in 1986 because he liked the taste of it and he now sells three tonnes a year. Outlets include Somerfield, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Sainsburys.

His farm in Parson's Lane also produces runner and French beans for Somerfield and has an annual turnover in excess of £100,000.

Mr Moule, 53, has been farming since the age of 15 and says it is in his blood.

He took over Mill Ridge Farm in 1975 and helped set up Western Asparagus Growers last year.

Made up of district asparagus farmers, the company's purchase of a £95,000 machine enabled it to grade asparagus to supermarket standards. George Moule with the pick of the asparagus crop.

"My family have been farming in the area for the last 400-500 years as far as we know," Mr Moule said.

"We started farming asparagus about 15 years ago on a small scale.

"We didn't expect it to take off so much, but always knew that people enjoy it."

He added: "It's a seasonal thing with an acquired taste, but people who enjoy the taste will wait for it.

"I only farm in the summer months and do different things including gardening and hedge cutting in the winter."

Mr Moule also sells vegetables direct from his farm and said up to 500 people visit each summer to buy asparagus.