A CHESTER garden centre worker is celebrating after reaching the regional finals of a major competition.
James Mabon, one of the team of qualified horticulturists at Grosvenor near Chester, reached the North West and North Wales regional finals of The Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition 2010.
Having qualified as a horticulturist five years ago, James, 24 and who lives in Flint, entered the competition held by the Institute of Horticulture and open to any young person working in all sectors of the industry.
James soared through the initial local heat and went flying into the regional finals.
Alongside eight winners from local heats, James was asked a wide range of horticultural questions, with three identification rounds to further test the candidates and only one winner going forward to the Grand Final to be held at Kew Gardens in May.
“I am thrilled that I made it through to the regional finals stage of this prestigious competition. Each step in the process was intensive and challenging and I wish the finalists the best of luck,” said James.
Grosvenor’s team of horticulturists were behind James all the way and were delighted to present him with a certificate and cheque for £50 from the Institute of Horticulture as a reward for his success in the regional finals.
“James is a highly popular member of the team here at Grosvenor and we are very proud of his achievement,” said Iain Wylie, managing director.