PENSIONER Peter O'Shaughnessy could not bear to leave his garden when he moved into a Chester-le-Street residential home - so he took it with him.

His blooms have earned the 86-year-old the Gardener of the Year award in a competition organised by Durham County Council.

Peter moved to Sunningdale House from his home in Fence Houses, Houghton-le-Spring, a year ago.

The ex-miner brought most of the contents of his garden with him, which he replanted in the grounds of the home in Ouston.

He took over the greenhouse, moved plants to new locations, created flowerbeds and planted out masses of hanging baskets and pots.

At a time of life when most people are taking it easy, Peter rises at 6.30am every day to water his plants, and spends hours outdoors.

He beat off stiff competition from 14 other Durham County Council residential homes to win the top gardener award, the first time Sunningdale House has won an award for its garden.

Peter, who won the News of the World gardening competition in 1948, has no intention of resting on his laurels.

He said: "I am very happy to have won this award for the home because they are very good to me.

"I have made big improvements to the garden this year, but still have even more planned for next year."

Gladioli are his speciality and there are 180 of them in the garden. Peter said: "I treat them like a baby."

Handyman Bill Barrett, who used to take care of the garden until Peter arrived, said: "Peter is a great character with a wealth of gardening knowledge. He has totally transformed the garden and it looks fabulous this year.

"Now all I do in the garden is prepare the land for him. I'm just his apprentice!"

The competition's judges said: "Peter is a truly dedicated gardener with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm and the hard work to back it up. He is an interesting man to talk to.