FOR one Ryedale resident celebrating the Olympics has become a sport in itself.

Fibre-glass manufacturer Malcolm Richardson, of Willow Rise, in Kirkbymoorside, has turned his front lawn and hedges into a series of Olympic rings, London 2012 logos and messages of support for Team GB.

He began creating displays ten years ago for the FIFA World Cup and eventually began diversifying into different sports and national events.

The Olympic-themed garden is his third lawn-display this year, having created one as part of the Diamond Jubilee and again for UEFA Euro 2012 when he created a display in support of the England team before their match with Italy.

Mr Richardson said: “The Olympics being in this country is something that only comes once in a lifetime, so I thought I had to get involved and do something for it.

“It’s been keeping the neighbours entertained at least.” Mr Richardson won’t just be celebrating at home with his lawnmower, however, as he has secured Olympic tickets to four different events: the football semi-finals, a volleyball round and two athletics events. He has vowed to keep his horticultural display trim throughout the Olympics and for several weeks afterwards.