Green-fingered Stan Girvan was delighted to win the Haworth Garden of the Year Trophy.

He was presented with the cup and a cheque for £50 by Bridget Madden of Sun Street Stores, who sponsored the competition.

The win came as a bit of a surprise to Stan, of Penistone Mews, who had not intended to enter the competition.

He said: "I'm very chuffed about it. I saw the poster advertising it in the window of the shop but I didn't enter at first because I didn't think that I would have much chance."

However, after a bit of persuasion from his partner Diane Gillard, he did indeed enter, a decision that turned out to be blooming marvellous for 57-year-old Stan.

The competition was judged by Haworth's head gardener Steve Thorpe and his son Joseph and it was eight-year-old Joseph who explained how they came to their final decision.

He said: "It was a really hard decision picking a winner because many of the gardens were so good in different ways. In the end we picked this one because we thought they had made such good use of the corner where their garden stands.

"Although small it gives you a bit of everything - it has masses of colour, a lovely water feature and a seated area that really makes you want to stay in the garden."

Stan and Diane spoke of the efforts they have put into the garden since they arrived at the house seven years ago.

Stan said: "When we came it was just dirt and a few plants. It has taken seven years to get it looking like this."

Diane added: "We can't say it's been hard work because we enjoy it, we just keep adding to it."

And Bridget, of Sun Street Stores, said: "It's nice to put something back into the local community. I just hope that it keeps on getting bigger and better."