A resident is celebrating first prize in a national gardening competition.

Garden centre retailer Dobbies has announced its ‘Not Your Average Gardener’ winners with Philip Smith of Salway Ash achieving top spot for ‘Best Mini Makeover’.

The award recognises the work he did to transform his mini garden at the front of his property.

Mr Smith has been working on the project since the end of February creating new paths and borders, with the aim of having a garden where he can grow edibles alongside flowers. The garden is framed around a central crab apple tree.

Speaking about his passion, Mr Smith, 47, said: “Gardening can be a very powerful tool and can have a great impact on your mental health and overall wellbeing. This project has really helped us as a family.

“The best thing about gardening is that you can learn as you go, and your garden is there waiting for you to have a go.”

The competition aims to celebrate and support passionate gardeners from across the UK, irrespective of experience or gardening space.

The four lucky winners in the different categories will share £5k worth of gardening related prizes.

Mr Smith’s commitment to his garden and passion shone through as the judging panel - including broadcaster Jo Whiley, ITV This Morning’s Daisy Payne and Dobbies’ ambassador and gardening influencer, Henry Agg – explained: “Philip showed clever and creative use of space and planting.

“I liked the colour palette and the different heights of the plants - also the inclusion of the tree which is in proportion with the house and the rest of the garden.

“I also love that he’s been inspired to focus on gardening in the next stage of his life as it’s clear that he’s very accomplished and has an eye for what works where.”

Mr Smith is a former headteacher and current level two gardening student at the UK's leading gardening charity, the Royal Horticultural Society.

He said: “I wanted to create a bright space that would put a smile on not only my family’s faces but also those of my neighbours and our wider community. It’s been a delight to have people comment on my mini garden makeover and it really shows you that you don’t need much to transform your space.

“Our front garden has become a wildlife haven and it was lovely to hear the buzz of the bees over the summer months.”

Mr Smith will receive a gift card to spend in store and receive advice from the Dobbies’ team at Galton on how best to bring his garden to life in a sustainable way.

He added: “I’m going to be using my prize from Dobbies to stock up on a selection of bulbs, with the plan to plant them now to help continue bright bursts in the early spring.”

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “We are thankful for everyone who took the time to enter our awards and offer all the winners, including Philip, our warmest congratulations. We’re eager to see how our four fantastic winners will reinvest their prize into their gardening space.”