It's a Pieris - from the abundance of flower, probably a Pieris japonica variety, although they don't usually have such fiercely red new growth - in which case it might be a Pieris forrestii type.

Wow thanks for such a swift response Bamboo! Someone once told me the name but I have long since forgotten it. At least I can do a bit of reading up on it now :)

It looks very like my Pieris japonica (Lily of the valley bush) I see I posted a picture of mine on 28th April 2011 showing the striking red growth. I found then (and still do) that they do much better if grown in shade and then new growth is this lovely red.

Thanks Drc726. Ive been doing a bit of reading up on it and although as you can see on the picture taken immediately before posting the question, it's doing great, it seems that I have it all the wrong conditions. IE: full sun, not really sheltered at all etc. My attitude is though, if it ain't broke, don't try and fix it. I have however taken a few cuttings from it this afternoon so fingers crossed they actually take! Thank you for your response.

If its thriving in full sun, then its definitely a Pieris japonica of some variety - P. forrestii does not like more than couple of hours sun at the end and beginning of the day, and will not thrive in such conditions.

Hi Shenuk . . . yes, the Pieris is a lovely bush, which prefers acid soil. I hope your cuttings strike, and if so, do tell your sister to buy some ericaceous compost and grow it in a pot if her soil is alkaline.

Thanks Sheilabub. I am keeping a close eye on them and if they take, I will certainly pass that info on to her.

i have several pieris `forest flame` around my garden and a couple doing really well in pots ... one of my favourites :)