ONE of the founder mem-bers of the Colne in Bloom group is retiring to spend more time with his award- winning vegetables.

Michael Osborn, 67, bec-ame project manager of the group five years ago, and has seen it go from strength to strength, with regular wins in the North West in Bloom compet-ition, as well as landing a silver gilt in Britain in Bloom.

Mr Osborn’s retirement means Coun Dorothy Lord is now the only remaining committee member from when the group was foun-ded 10 years ago in Febr-uary.

“The work Colne in Bloom has done in the town centre has made a huge difference,” said Mr Osb-orn.

“It is a great feeling when you get stopped by members of the public in the town centre saying how nice the town is look-ing at the moment.

“It is all volunteer work, but it is very rewarding when you get nice comm-ents like that.”

In his retirement, Mr Osb- orn will be spending more time working on his veg-etables, which have scoop-ed prizes in national comp- etitions this year.

He is also vice-chairman of the northern branch of the British Vegetable Assoc- iation.

“I’ve won prizes at nat-ional level for my onions this year,” said Mr Osborn.

“So I will be spending more time with the veg-etables now, as well as more time on my allot-ment.

“I’m also a keen bird watcher and naturalist, so that is something I will be doing more of now.”

Coun Lord paid tribute to Mr Osborn’s work.

She said: “Michael will be very well remembered by Colne in Bloom and we miss him already.

“He has a great sense of humour, and meetings were always lively and full of laughter.

“We are extremely grat-eful for everything Mich-ael has done.”