SIR — It is 43 years since I left Watchet for South Wales and Hereford.

As a family we were all sad, as we loved Watchet. It was always interesting, even exciting at times, and we were happy there. My youngest was born there and we had many friends.

I didn't think I'd ever come back again, but my elder daughter and her husband retired to Watchet so I've come back too, and I'm finding Watchet just as friendly and fun as ever, and with one little extra.

On Sunday, as I walked down towards the marina, I crossed over the railway bridge, looked over the fence and into the swirl of wild brambles and shrubs still clothing the railway banks, and then I saw it. Quite a low spreading, spiny shrub with tiny purple flowers, with alternate lanceolate leaves.

After all the cold and windy weather we had since I arrived back here in December, I've really enjoyed the unfolding of spring blossom and the beauty of the trees of this beautiful country - but this find was special.

I hadn't expected it to be there still - it is the Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree (Licium Halimifolium Mill). A little early in flowering, it should bloom in June-September, but it's still growing on the Watchet railway bank in some profusion after 43 or more years.

An unusual though not rare plant, it grows near the sea and is a member of the Solanaceae or Nightshade family.

I'm pleased to have found it again - it gives me a feeling of extra welcome home.

Pat Wilks,

St Decuman's Road,

Watchet.