GREEN fingered local lad, Jordan Holland, is celebrating after winning a fabulous prize for his Busy Lizzie plant in a national competition.

Since the beginning of May, thousands of school children have been growing the plants for the competition sponsored by Wyevale Garden Centres and BBC Gardeners' World Magazine.

Jordan, aged seven, attends Holy Family RC school on Seacrest Avenue, Blackpool and is thrilled with his win. He said: "It really felt good winning, and even better when I went to see the prizes. I watered my plant every day to make sure it grew."

Jordan was awarded a trophy and certificate, a beanie bear and gardening equipment, but thinks the best prize is the chance to go on to represent his school in the national finals at BBC Gardners' World Live Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham on June 19. He told the Citizen; "I've never been to Birmingham before and I'm very excited, if I win I get to give £750 of Wyevale vouchers to my school."

Jordan narrowly pipped his twin brother, Joshua, to the post in the contest as both boys entered plants for the competition. Jordan says there are no hard feelings between the two: "Joshua is happy I won and he will be coming to Birmingham with me," he explained.

Managing Editor of the Citizen, Bob Gray, a judge at the local stage of the competition, said: "I was very impressed by the extremely high standard of the entries.

"The display by Holy Family RC was particularly good and showed great care and attention."

Mrs McLeod, who co-ordinated the entries from Holy Family RC, was very proud of Jordan's achievement, commenting: "We received 105 seeds which meant three years at the school grew the plants.

"Each pupil took home their plant and looked after it as part of an on-going environment improvement and awareness scheme we are running at the school."

Wyevale Garden Centre on Preston New Road in Westby, near Kirkham, will be holding a vintage and classics car day on July 4 in conjunction with the Blackpool Vehicle Preservation Group.

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