GREEN-fingered locals have taken prizes for their entries at the prestigious RHS Tatton Show.

Dubbed the ‘Chelsea of the North’, the show attracted more than 500 entries from right around the UK – including two winning competitors from the south Lakes.

“It’s been a really great few days,” said horticulturalist Bob Sanderson, who was part of the team from Cath’s Garden Plants at Heaves.

“The weather meant a lot of the plants we’d normally use at Tatton had already flowered so we had to use other stuff.

“But the great weather also meant a lot bloomed during the week, which helped, so all in all it was successful.”

The team took a silver gilt flora medal in the ‘floral marquee’ category for their prairie-style entry, using a combination of perennials and grasses.

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This came despite Mr Sanderson, 66, who runs the business with wife, Cath, only having use of one arm after an accident earlier this year.

“We obviously want to get gold so we’ll be competing for a few more years,” added the Nether Kellet resident.

Among the other winners were Brownthwaite Hardy Plants of Casterton.

Owner Chris Benson said he entered a display of hydran-geas and ferns, which also won him a silver gilt flora award in the ‘floral marquee’ category.

“The weather has really affected the entries this year,” said the keen gardener, who won the award for the sixth consecutive year.

“There’s a question mark hanging over next year. However, I’m pleased to have won and I’ll certainly be at the Holker and Harrogate shows again next year.”