A YORK grandfather has been recognised as having one of the nicest gardens in the city.

John Roberts, of Lichfield Court, said MiracleGrow, watering twice a day and help from his grandchildren was the secret to him winning the award of Best Garden in the annual York Housing Association In Bloom Competition.

He said: “Creating this garden has been a real team effort, with my neighbour Jean helping with the watering, my sister planting up the hanging baskets and my children and grandchildren helping with everything from laying the slate mulch to weeding and planting.

“It is a great way for the grandchildren to earn some pocket money. “I normally only enter my hanging baskets into the competition, but this year I thought I’d give the ‘best garden’ category a try, and I’ve won.”

As well as the beautiful planting, features like a 100- year-old barrow – purchased from a second-hand shop and then carefully repaired and painted to make an unusual planter – drew the eyes of the judges to help Mr Roberts secure the award, while the container that sits on the barrow earned him a runner-up prize for best container display.

York Housing Association tenants had been set the challenge of incorporating gold into their gardens to mark the associations 50th anniversary year.