unusual bean

I just got given this unusual bean from someone and was wondering if anyone out there knows what it is. Its about half the size of a runner bean and apparently grows tall.

any ideas?

bean image

 

Could it be a climbing french bean?

 

perhaps but what variety?

 

What stunning colour those beans! I will keep on searching, in case i can be of any help...


source: flickr.com

 

How are the beans to be eaten, as pods or are they to be dried off and the dried beans eaten?

 

I recieved this about them:

Hi, we eat them as green beans the same as any others,I have popped a few soaked dry ones into soups etc and they are fine that way too but they are super as green beans,and I like the beans when mature, shelled but not dried out. One point though, they don't seem to freeze as well a s the Kenyan green beans I grow,I think it is because they are a bit softer so don't over cook them.