GARDENING guru Monty Don paid tribute to the friendly atmosphere at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show.

Mr Don, who lives near Leominster, was filming a special edition of Gardeners' World broadcast last Friday.

"My first spring show at Malvern was in 1989 when it was still really small," he said.

"Since then it's grown hugely but keep its friendly atmosphere and local exhibitors. It's become an important part of the gardening calendar and still retained its charm and character."

Mr Don said the show was being covered as part of a campaign by the BBC to give non-London gardening shows more airtime.

"It's been a conscious effort to pay attention to provincial shows," he said. "This is my local show and I want it to be treated seriously."