A GREEN-FINGERED outdoor lover was praised by the Royal Horticultural Society for his dedication to gardening.

Tom Rushton from Clitheroe was awarded a long-service medal back in 1978 after being put forward for the award by his boss’s wife, Eleanor.

Mr Rushton, who was employed as a gardener by Dr Fisher at Garden Cottage in Colthurst, had tended to the same garden in Waddington for over 42 years, with hardly any time off sick.

Dr Fisher's wife, Eleanor, thought it would be a good idea to write to the RHS telling them about his long-standing work with the family, and the society decided to award his efforts.

The 64-year-old spent the majority of his life working in the fresh air after choosing to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a gardener.

He worked alongside his dad in Dr Fisher’s garden for many years and also worked for another couple, Mr and Mrs Shaw, who lived in Rimington, putting his green-fingered skills to good use tending to their flora and fauna.

Mr Rushton, who lived with his wife Mary in West View, said: "I love the outside life and the fresh air. It's beautiful here all year round."

Despite turning 65 in November 1978, Mr Rushton told the Lancashire Telegraph he had no plans to hang up his garden spade anytime in the future.