A new sweet pea bred by the world's leading hybridist and introduced for the 2014 season by Mr Fothergill's has been named Sir Henry Cecil in honour of Britain's greatest racehorse trainer, who died earlier this year

The sweetly scented chocolate flake variety was officially 'christened' by Lady Cecil at the Kentford, Newmarket, seed company's annual press open day this week and is expected to be a top seller.

“We knew Sir Henry loved his flower garden as a form of relaxation from the pressure of training racehorses, and so we were honoured when Lady Cecil agreed to our request to name the new variety in his memory”, said the company's joint managing director John Fothergill. “He was also greatly admired and loved not only by the racing community, but by the whole of our home town of Newmarket and beyond.”.

Sweet Pea Sir Henry Cecil was bred in New  Zealand by the renowned Dr Keith Hammett and is available exclusively from Mr Fothergill's. A packet of 20 seeds will retail at £1.99.

Sweet Peas are the UK’s biggest-selling flower seeds and Mr Fothergill’s are pushing hard to increase sales this year. A new, full height hotspot stand to showcase their extensive range of sweet pea seeds has been introduced for the 2013/14 season. The 42 single colour varieties featured are displayed alphabetically.