A National Trust warden in Sunderland has discovered a poisonous flower which was thought to be extinct in the wild.

The pretty but deadly corncockle, Agrostemma githago, was found growing near Souter Lighthouse in Whitburn earlier this month by assistant ranger Dougie Holden.

He thought the five-petalled mauve flower was unusual and had an inkling it was a corncockle, which was once commonly seen in wheat fields but has been eradicated by modern farming methods.

Mr Holden, who lives locally, said: "I had a very good idea what it was because I have tonnes of wildflower books but I was not 100% certain until I checked.

"We are quite pleased to have it on the property and we hope it brings people in as long as they don't touch it."

The corncockle is highly toxic if it is broken or eaten. Despite this it was used in folk medicine to treat illnesses.

Mr Holden believes the corncockle seed may have been churned up by an emergency vehicle on an exercise last summer, having lain dormant under the surface for years.

The wardens hope the plant will re-establish itself at the site over the coming years after the flower's seeds fall this summer.

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