GARDENING guru Alan Titchmarsh was in North Yorkshire to celebrate the start of building work to a new £3 million learning centre for children.

The television presenter donned a fluorescent helmet during his visit to RHS Garden Harlow Carr, in Harrogate, where the new centre will be built.

More than 10,000 children a year will benefit from the centre, which will offer a varied programme of activities, including seed and plant growing.

The building, which was designed by Andrew Yeats, from Eco Arc Architects, is expected to gain the highest possible green rating.

It will have a zero carbon rating thanks to a wind turbine, ground-source heat pump and solar heating.