THE rose has been voted the country's sweetest-smelling flower after captivating one fifth of a vote.

The bloom became the national flower in the 15th Century after being adopted in rival red and white by the warring houses of York and Lancaster.

Runner-up in a poll of 1,500 conducted by Loire Valley Wines was the freesia and the third lavender, whose scent is loved by humans but feared by insects.

The rest of the top 10 included honeysuckle, jasmine, lily, sweet pea, rosemary, lilac and carnation.

I'm surprised my favourite wasn't included. I don't think night scented stock can be beaten.