A new variety of one of winter's classic blooms has been discovered at a stately home in Enfield.

The discovery of the new snowdrop was made at the annual snowdrop sale at Myddelton House Gardens in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, on Saturday, January 25.

Matt Bishop, from Devon, made the discovery at the sale, which attracts keen gardeners from as far away as Holland, Belgium and the US.

He said: “They are not an everyday occurrence and it’s most unusual for one to show good green-marked outer segments and mainly green inner segments.”

The flower does not yet have a name, but Mr Bishop will be working with Myddelton House Gardens to come up with one.

Originally owned by plantsman E A Bowles, the house has recently received the status of Quality Assured Visitor Attraction by VisitEngland, the country’s national tourist board.

Andrew Turvey, head gardener at Myddleton House Gardens, said: “We are delighted that E A Bowles’ legacy continues to surprise us with new hidden treasures from his garden.”