Ground Force Alan returns to his roots

TELEVISION celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh returned to his roots in Ilkley on Saturday. The star of BBC's Ground Force and Gardeners World was on stage at the King's Hall in 'An Evening With Alan Titchmarsh'. The show was presented by the Ilkley Grammar School Parent Teachers Association. Mr Titchmarch, who has a profitable sideline as a best-selling novelist, was also signing copies of his own books. His second engagement in the town, where he first developed his green fingered skills, was with the Ilkley Players. Mr Titchmarsh is a former player and joint honorary patron of the group. A year ago, he opened the newly-refurbished Playhouse building on Weston Road and paid for, as well as organised, the replanting of two raised flower beds outside. Jennie Aron, of the Ilkley Players, said Mr Titchmarsh had proved himself a real friend of the town and of the players. "He was really relaxed and charming. He spent time talking to the children and some of his old friends from Ilkley. Everyone was charmed by him and he was very entertaining," she said.