TALENTED 13-year-old gardener Cody Smith has embarked on a charitable business venture with Booths in Milnthorpe.

Cody, who grows dahlias and cottage flowers on his two allotments and 20-foot poly tunnel in Milnthorpe, has been welcomed into the store on a number of occasions over the summer to sell his prized plants and flowers to customers.

He will donate a percentage of the sales of his goods to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), with £100 raised for the charity to date.

Cody’s flair for flowers has been recognised by Booths customers. Earlier this year he was approached by Emmie Bland from Arnside Tower Farm and asked to supply flowers for her wedding in July. Subsequently, a Booths staff member has asked him to supply flowers for her daughter’s wedding.

Cody’s mum, Julie Smith, said; “I would like to thank Booths and their customers for the support and opportunity that Cody has been given, which has not only allowed him to share his horticulture passion, which undoubtedly will be his future career, but also enabled him to gain confidence and knowledge of business skills.”

Cody added: “I have enjoyed every minute of this summer. It’s been hard work doing both shows and selling flowers but the results were worth it and I am very grateful to Booths customers for helping support the RNLI and very much hope to be back selling my flowers at Booths soon.”

His interest has been encouraged by well-known Milnthorpe dahlia grower Jack Gott. Having met through the town's allotment association, Jack recognised Cody’s keen interest in gardening and has acted as his mentor. He has taught him all he knows about growing dahlias and helping to nurture his talent.

Cody attended Harrogate Flower Show for the first time this year and won a first prize for his Collerette Dahlias, and two second prizes. He also took two third prizes from Southport Show and an incredible five five first, five seconds and seven thirds from the Milnthorpe Show, winning the Booths Under 16 Voucher and an award for ‘Most Enthusiastic Gardener’. He also won second place in the ‘Best Kept Allotment’ category.

Milnthorpe store manager Mark Rowland said; “Cody’s flowers have been hugely popular with Booths customers and the response and support has been extraordinary. It’s admirable to see a boy as young as Cody with such passion and talent for gardening and a real drive to succeed."

Cody can be followed on Twitter at @CodysFlowers13.