Help what is it?

Looks like some sort of tree seedling to me.

Thanks Scotkat.... Could be, not sure at all what it is I am keeping it in a pot for now.

Could it be one of the Parthenocissus group? From what you say and the shape of the top leaves, that's my guess.

Thank you spritzhenry for your suggestion but it is not, the answer was under my nose all the time!
Would you believe it. I am reading Carol Klein ‘Life in a Cottage Garden” Page 86 there is a photo of my little plants at exactly the same stage they are Ricinus communis ! it belongs to the euphorbia family, a sub-tropical plant. I phoned my sister and asked what aspect the plant on her friend’s house was … south facing in a sheltered spot consequently, it has grown to a height of 15 feet It’s not a climber after all more of a perennial.

The book is a excellent read!

Interesting - will pick up a copy - I've got her vegetable book and its extremely useful.

Sussexsarah ~ I got mine through play.com best price. £11.49 with free p&p. I also have her veg book. like you say very good!

Thanks for the ID - I'm growing Ricinus in the greenhouse at the moment, but they haven't reached that stage yet - I do hope they don't get to that height! Eeek! :-O

By the way, they're tender, so you'll need to collect the seeds if you want to grow them next year. They're also highly toxic - all parts.

Hi Spritz.. I have been reading up on them. I have seen that they are toxic, not so good. I plan to put them at the back of the border well away from harms reach (the grandchildren). Have you grown them before? From the pictures I’ve seen they look spectacular.
Well I think this is the opportunity for a bit of friendly competition. Who can grow the tallest! Although, if they grow above the garden fence hacksaw hubby may have to be let out of his study. (He's just started another OU course so he will leave my garden alone for the rest of the summer.....I hope!).

No, I've wanted to, but I got seeds for the first time this year. I have two sorts - one is a dark-leaved variety...should look good, I hope! :-)

Mine is the light leaved one. The dark leaved one sounds lovely. Of course it's going to look good. Its exciting growing something new and unknown I am amazed at how quickly they are growing.