A NEW rose being sold to raise money for St Richard's Hospice has proved a success at a Worcestershire garden centre.

Since launching the Precious Memories rose just over three months ago Webbs of Wychbold has sold more than 800.

The salmon floribunda rose was named in May this year by keen Malvern gardener Lauriene Hubbard who beat more than 1,400 entrants in a name-the-rose competition. It was organised by Webbs as part of their fund-raising for the St Richard's New Hospice Appeal, the company's chosen charity of the year.

Webbs managing director Ed Webb said: "We've had a fantastic response from customers and have sold all the roses the grower could provide.

"The rose looks lovely in the garden or it makes a thoughtful gift and I'm sure that people see it as a good way to help the hospice.

"We have put in an order for more roses and we hope to be able to have new stock back on the shelves later this year."

Webbs is exclusively selling the Precious Memories roses at £8.99 and donating £1 to the St Richard's New Hospice Appeal for every rose purchased this year.

They also donated 250 roses for the hospice staff to sell at the Malvern Spring Gardening Show, which was held earlier this year.