TWO Leigh schoolgirls have blossomed into top garden designers.

Rachel Moore and Emily Beachcroft had their interpretations of the work of famous artists turned into gardens at the big Southport Flower Show last week.

Rachel, 11, of Lane Head Avenue, Lowton, and nine-year-old Emily Beachcroft, of Rossall Crescent, Leigh, beat off competition from throughout the north west to win botanist David Bellamy's competition.

The theme of this year's show was fine art, and children were invited to design a garden based on the theme.

Rachel, a pupil at St Catherine of Siena RC, Lowton, centred her design on Paul Klee's Fish Magic work of art and Emily, a pupil at Hindley Green CP School, chose Beatrix Potter.

Their designs were recreated by a professional landscape gardener, and were viewed by the 120,000 visitors attracted to the big three day show.

The girls won £500 for their schools and £50 each, along with an art set and book on their favourite artist.

Because she is now on holiday in Greece, Emily had a special preview of the work last Monday, but Rachel met Prof Bellamy and pop star-turned gardener, Kim Wilde, on Saturday at Victoria Park.

Rachel's dad, Gary, said: "She watches a lot of gardening with her mum, Anne. I can't get near the TV when Ground Force is on. I was impressed by the celebrities, they went out of their way to make us feel welcome."

Emily's dad, Paul, said: "I don't know where she gets it from. She seems to win everything she goes in for including poetry competitions, singing and Irish dancing. She's on holiday with her mum, Alicia, so she missed the big day with the stars. However, we had a preview before the event and were delighted with the results." STAR OF THE FUTURE? Design winner Rachel Moore on site with David Bellamy and Kim Wilde