AN EAST Durham student is setting off to train at the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden at Wisley.

Gavin Horniblow, aged 35, from Horden is studying full-time at East Durham College’s Houghall Campus on a National Certificate in Horticulture.

Mr Horniblow started his career in the military, spending four years with the Coldstream Guards.

After leaving the forces, he tried different jobs but never found a job he really enjoyed and wanted to do long term.

Mr Horniblow: "My last job was in a call centre and I realised that I wanted to get a job working in an area I really enjoyed.

"Gardening had always been a keen hobby of mine and something I really liked, so I decided to get the qualifications I would need to get a good job in this field."

Mr Horniblow is now well on his way to achieving this goal.

He recently applied to study at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden at Wisley. There are only 14 places available each year on their 2 year Diploma in Horticulture. The competition for places is fierce and students apply from all over the world including Japan, China and the USA.

College lecturer Mike Hirst said: "It is an amazing achievement, I am thrilled for Gavin.

"I always knew he had a great shot at getting a place because both his academic and practical skills are of an extremely high standard."’ Mr Horniblow said: "I’m really pleased Mike and the rest of the staff encouraged me to apply to the RHS’s Garden at Wisley, their help and support has been tremendous throughout my course.

"I hope the skills I learned at Houghall and will go on to gain at Wisley will enable me to fulfil my dreams of working in a grand stately home garden, setting up my own business or even travelling the world using my skills."