A FEMALE head gardener has been appointed to tend the grounds of Victorian Spetchley Park.

Kate Portman is the first woman to head the team of five gardeners at the 30-acre site renowned as one of the finest unspoiled "plantsman's" gardens in England.

The 40-year-old studied at Pershore College between 1991 and 1994, where she was named top student in landscape and amenity.

Ms Portman took over from Brian Tombs, who retired earlier this year after 50 years tending the gardens near Worcester.

See tomorrow's Country News section of the Evening News for more on this story.