A POPULAR garden centre near Droitwich is celebrating its 70th birthday this weekend with a host of family activities.

Webbs at Wychbold, which was recently named UK Garden Centre of the Year, hopes to welcome hundreds of visitors to help it mark the anniversary.

Executive chairman Ed Webb said: "This has been a fantastic year for Webbs, winning the title of Garden Centre of the Year and reaching the milestone of 70 years at Wychbold. We want to share our success with our loyal customers and visitors and look forward to welcoming them to join our celebration weekend."

Highlights will be a rose show and the final of a children's growing competition. Hundreds of budding young gardeners are expected to take their Serena Summer Sunshine plants along for judging.

Entertainment will include Professor Pepperpot and his balloon magic, the Fidgety Feet Wandering Jazz Band, face painting and fair rides for children. Active customers can test their skill on the climbing wall at Cotswold Outdoor, while dog lovers can take time to find out more from the Perry Barr Greyhound Awareness Roadshow.

There will also be a host of special anniversary offers in store and bonsai demonstrations will take place on Saturday.