Teenage gardener shortlisted for national competition

In April, he entered the Royal Horticultural Society Great British Garden Competition with the winning design being planted in the new Olympic Park in east London in time for 2012.
And now the ambitious youngster has made it through to the final six of the under 16s category with his garden design based on a Tudor Rose.
He said: "It is great news for me, I am so happy. I have always been fascinated with plants and flowers since I was about three or four.
"My garden is all about celebrating Britain's history, love of gardening and diversity.
"When I think about gardens and England I think of cottage gardens; with few straight lines, a lot of colour, with paths weaving through out the spectacular beds. That is the inspiration for my garden.
"The thought of having my garden planted at the Olympic Park is amazing. I am keeping my fingers crossed."
James, who volunteers one day a week at Hughenden Manor, is now hoping to continue building a portfolio so he can apply for the National Trust apprenticeship scheme next year.
His mother Charlotte, 49, said: "He has always been a keen gardener and jumped at the chance to create a garden for the Olympic park.
"We are really excited and hope the public vote for James. He has learning difficulties and was not progressing too well in school and was being bullied so we took him out to teach him at home.
"The amount that he has progressed in that time is amazing. We are just so proud of him."
Members of the public can vote for their favourite garden design until noon on October 30. To vote for James visit www.rhs.org.uk/news/olympic_20.asp.