A GARDEN centre has celebrated 10 years since it blossomed into a successful operation by planting a crab apple tree.

Worcester Garden Centre was completely redeveloped and expanded by brothers Frank and Mike Thompstone, who bought the business in May, 1993.

The new-look centre, on Droitwich Road, Claines, near Worcester, reopened in May 1994, and gardening celebrity, Geoff Hamilton, planted three black pear trees in the play area to mark the occasion.

Now, as a testament to the success of the business, the brothers have planted the dwarf crab apple, Malus Admiration.

"We are delighted with the success of Worcester Garden Centre," said Mike Thompstone.

"We have a marvellous team working for us here who always aim to give the customer the best possible advice and guidance."

"We are confident the centre will continue to blossom as we move into the next 10 years and we will continue to build on the success of the business," added Frank Thompstone.

The centre, which was named Garden Centre of the Year 2002 in a national competition, is run by manager Bob Tannahill and overseen by director of garden centres Neil Gow.

Five members of staff have been working there since before the brothers took over and together they have clocked up more than 130 years' service.