Gloucestershire man 'bananas' about his ecohome

An environmentalist has managed to grow bananas in his ecohome, which he believes is the most energy efficient house in the world, it has been reported.

When Mike Hillard bought the plants he was told they would never bear fruit but his self build home and its controlled temperature solar room has helped to dispel that theory.

The solar room is said to keep the mercury up to 16C above the outside temperature all year round.

Mr Hillard lives in a home made of Cotswold stone and its total annual energy costs reportedly amount to less than £150 a year.

"Heating the house last year cost £60," he said, as he uses rainwater for showering and washing up.

The Royal Horticultural Society has told the man that he is the only person in the UK known to have grown the fruit in his home.