A LEADING nursery in the Ribble Valley has continued its golden run after winning a top prize at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show.

In consecutive years, Holden Clough Nursery in Bolton by Bowland has been awarded the prestigious RHS Gold Medal at the show and this year's medal made it a third.

Co-nursery owner John Foley said: "It takes a whole year to prepare for the show and a lot of effort and hard work goes into striving for perfection.

"The win isn't just down to us though, we have a fantastic team behind us who have all worked hard."

This years theme was 'hardy plants for northern gardens', as the nursery prides itself in growing tough plants that thrive in the north.

The display was achieved by growing 99 per cent of the plans outside in the nursery and only using ones which could withstand tough conditions.

Holden Clough's well known Astilbes, Crocosmia and Achillea plus unusual varieties of Phlox, Lecanthemum and Monarda were used in the display.

An expert panel of RHS judges praised the pair on the high quality of the plants and the good use of colour on display.

The judges said: "It's reassuring to see such energy from a young couple in the industry and credit to them.

"It takes a lot of expertise to grow all the plants for such a large display and we look forward to seeing them at more shows during the summer."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said exposure on this scale helps to put the Ribble Valley on the map.

He said: "I am delighted for them, John is a really nice bloke and we know that they are a huge boost within the Ribble Valley in attracting tourism.

"This can only further enhance the reputation of the Ribble Valley as a case of horticultural excellence."