Gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh has inspired a budding nine-year-old greengrocer after recording an uplifting video to thank the youngster for raising funds for charity. 

The TV celebrity, who is most famous for his role on Ground Force, sent a message of support to Cameron Campbell, from Northallerton, who used his love of gardening to help the charity assisting his Army veteran dad to recover from PTSD.

Cameron, who planted vegetable seeds on a windowsill, which grew into a bumper crop and sold out within days, raised £130 for Help for Heroes during his charity effort.

Alan Titchmarsh Alan Titchmarsh (Image: SENT IN)

Pumpkins, beans, squash, peas and tomato plants went on sale for 50p each on the stall he set up with a poster in the front garden of his home.

Cameron’s dad, David, who joined the Army at the age of 17, served with the Queen's Own Highlanders and was deployed on six tours to Northern Ireland and Iraq.

He was diagnosed with PTSD in 2019 as a result of what he had experienced in war zones and has benefited from specialist mental health counselling through the Help for Heroes Hidden Wounds team.

Cameron with his vegetablesCameron with his vegetables (Image: HELP FOR HEROES)

At the time of the charity effort, his mum Rachael said: “We are so thankful to everyone who has supported us and we are so proud of Cameron who has enjoyed collecting for such an amazing cause. When David needed Help for Heroes they were there for him with counselling that is targeted at veterans as they understand what he has been through.

“Help for Heroes has given Cameron his daddy back. Without the support Help for Heroes has given to my husband, I am not sure if he would have made it through. I will be forever grateful.”

Cameron with his mum and dadCameron with his mum and dad (Image: HELP FOR HEROES)

Cameron, a year four pupil at Alverton Community Primary School, has had his horticultural hobby nurtured by his teachers, especially Mrs Pringle, who gave him the pack of seeds that started his fundraiser.

And this interest in horticulture has now been boosted after the message from Alan himself, which was sent over to Cameron earlier this month. 

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In the video message, Mr Titchmarsh introduces himself, before congratulating the schoolboy on his charity offer by saying: "You've discovered how important gardening is, and how beautiful it can be to be in the garden - how much better it makes us feel. When you grow your own food, that's doubly great. 

"Congratulations Cameron, for all you've done for Help For Heroes, and all those who have needed and benefitted from your help. 

"Keep gardening please, and keep on going - well done you."