ONE of the UK's most notable gardeners has been made an ambassador for the Malvern Spring Festival.

Chris Beardshaw, who first exhibited in Malvern in 1999 and grew up in the county, will be helping to promote the show having been a regular at Malvern Spring Show for more than 20 years, where he has appeared in a variety of roles, from exhibiting with his students from Pershore College, to designing show gardens and being an RHS judge and speaker.

He said: "To be asked to be an Ambassador for my local show is a real honour. I have been involved in gardening events across the UK and around world, in a variety of roles which has given me a range of show experiences from a number of different perspectives.

"I am really looking forward to flying the flag for the Show and helping to attract gardeners and plant lovers from throughout the UK to come and visit us."

Head of shows Diana Walton said: "Chris is a particular favourite at Malvern - with our team as much as visitors.

"We have all watched his career progress so successfully from those first beginnings here at Malvern.

"He understands this show so well and how we are the breaking ground for lots of new talent and starting point for much of the work done in the garden over the spring and summer months.

"I know he will be a wonderful ambassador and we are very excited to be working with him."

RHS Malvern Spring Festival takes place from May 7-10, 2020.

For further information visit www.rhsmalvern.co.uk.