A LEIGH garden centre's greenery has the seal of approval from the top man.

To ensure all the plants displayed are of the highest quality, they are grown, tested and approved in John Bent's private Glazebury garden -- which is opened to the public for charity -- before being sold in the nursery.

Now Bents, based in Warrinton Road, has scooped the North West Best Plant Area Award, and is in line for the national prize.

Horticultural Society representatives assessed the centre's 10,000 different types of plants, shrubs, herbs and trees for plant quality, staff knowledge, displays and in-house promotions.

Managing director Ron Bent said: "We're delighted to be representing the north west.

"We've worked hard to create an inspiring environment and it's wonderful to receive formal recognition of our efforts."

The winners will be announced in January.