A DISABLED gardener has won the rear gardens section of the Darlington in Bloom competition on her first attempt.

Multiple sclerosis sufferer Sarah Taylor, 45, of Welbeck Avenue, Heighington, said she was shocked but delighted by her success.

Miss Taylor has been in a wheelchair for 20 years and is unable to use her right hand. "It's quite a nice feeling to get this recognition for something that I enjoy doing," she said.

Miss Taylor took up gardening after moving to her house four years ago and was entered for the competition by friend Jo Williams.

She made a number of adaptations to the garden to enable her to manage it more easily, including laying paving stones and using specially adapted tools with longer handles.

"Apart from some of the bigger jobs like digging holes which my neighbours and friends help with, I can do most things," she said. "You find ways of achieving things just like you do in everyday life."

The garden features a mixture of plants set on different levels.