Fimr scoops four awards at flower show debut

But not only that, the firm is still reeling with delight after scooping the very best in show, too.

Leyland’s C&W Berry gathered the glittering awards for its show garden entry at this year’s Southport Flower Show, which was opened on Thursday by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott.

It was the first time the firm had entered the show - or any other - with such an exhibit.

Berry’s teamed up with Kirman Design, winning golds for best large show garden, best large outside garden, best outside garden - and best in show.

On top of that, it came away with the Lady Pilkington award, too, for the display that best depicts the theme of the show, which this year was ‘Mediterranean’.

The Leyland team consisted of Mike Jones, Calum Jackson and Sandy McDonald. Market manager Mike said: “It’s the first time we’ve done anything of this nature at any show - it’s a hell of an achievement.

“We’re extremely pleased, it’s the first time we’ve taken in a project like this.”

Andy Kirman and the team put together a contemporary design based around a modern garden kitchen, with an inviting pool containing the garden’s centre piece – a magnificent 600-year-old Mediterranean olive tree. The striking design was complemented by Mediterranean-style planting.

Mike added: “We were more than pleased with these three golds, that was really our wildest dream. Then an hour later to be told we were the best in show was the icing on the cake. We’ve been very overwhelmed and had a lot of interest from the public. We’ve had big crowds in front of the olive tree.”

The Southport Flower Show also saw an appearance from Preston’s own newly crowed Miss England Lizzy Grant, 20, who cooled off in the show’s outdoor pool as temperatures soared on Thursday.

The four-day show ends on Sunday.