A North East radio presenter has been awarded for her 'tireless promotion' of gardening in the region.

The Chartered Institute of Horticulture's Northern Branch Commendation for 2024 was awarded to broadcaster Marian Foster.

Marian, known as a presenter on TV and radio, particularly of BBC Radio Newcastle and BBC Radio Tees' weekly Garden Mania programme, was recognised for her dedication to community horticulture in the North of England.

The award was presented to her by Northern Branch chairman Clive Parker at the Northumbria in Bloom Awards Presentation on September 18.

Mr Parker said: "I have had the privilege to work with Marion recently as the powerhouse behind the Garden Mania programme on BBC Radio Newcastle on Sunday mornings.

"As a stand-in gardening expert, I witnessed her masterly command of the broadcast: making sure I knew exactly what I was required to do.

"And I know that she takes every opportunity to promote gardening and community engagement whenever she can, making a positive difference to communities in our area."

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Marian's broadcasting career includes a 14-year stint on Pebble Mill at One from 1972 to 1986, and regular appearances at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

She has presented Garden Mania on BBC Radio Newcastle for more than 20 years, which is now also aired on BBC Radio Tees.

Through her programme, she has been a staunch supporter of community horticulture, planet-friendly gardening, and environmental issues.

She has been involved in the Northumbria in Bloom and the Royal Horticultural Society’s It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign, as well as the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.

Marian is a former president of the North of England Horticultural Society and a member of the Garden Media Guild.

On Garden Mania, Marian said she was thrilled with the award and thanked listeners for their support for the programme, which allows listeners to call in with their garden-related advice and tips.

Garden Mania airs on Sundays from 9am to 10am on BBC Radio Newcastle and BBC Radio Tees.