THIS is the world's hottest chilli - bred in rainy Grantham, Lincs, but so fiery it can put diners in HOSPITAL.

The variety out-scorches its nearest rival, which is so hot it is used in mob-control grenades by the Indian Army.

Tests by Warwick University rate the new variety at 1,067,286 on the Scoville Scale which is used to measure the heat of peppers.

SHU what a scorcher ... how Infinity's heat measures up

The former record-holder, the Indian Bhut Jolokia, is 1,041,427.

A jalapeno measures just 2,500 to 5,000. Weapons-grade pepper spray is 2,000,000.

The Lincs variety is named Infinity for its "never-ending" burn, which cannot be quelled by even the best antidote, milk.

A novice who eats it can require hospital treatment for mouth blisters and burns.

Grower Woody Woods, 37, of Fire Foods in Grantham, said: "It is like eating red-hot coal.

"To grow such a burning hot chilli in our climate is unbelievable."

He and pal Matt Simpson, 38, bred the Infinity in a greenhouse by crossing existing varieties.

They hope to market the seeds this year.