Mel Clinch, 29, has won this year's Young Horticulturist of the Year. Mel who is studying for his national diploma at Rodbaston won the Institute of Horticulture competition by a single mark.

He benefited from the recent change in competition rules when the age limit was raised from 25 to 30. Unsure where he would travel with his Percy Thrower bursary worth £1,500, he said: 'I'd like to increase my plant knowledge before setting up my own business.' Runner-up was Ian Roofe, 21, with Bryan Kaastra, 23, finishing third.

Keith Power of the Shropshire Horticultural Trust, which funds the bursary said: 'It's very satisfying for the trust to support talented young horticulturists.'