Despite a lengthy battle with diabetes and anaemia, to name but two of his tormentors, 83 year old Norman, of Spring Lane, Sprotbrough, has triumphed yet again with his prize garden.

He 'rose' to the challenge, and took the gold award for Best Presented Garden at the Doncaster in Bloom awards last month, a testament to his courage and determination over a difficult year.

Among the many tasks he takes on himself is keeping the garden's 80 yards of hedging trimmed, and this year's prize is his third gold award in the competition over the past four years.

The keen gardener puts his enduring gardening success (his previous wins include Overall Best Garden in 2000) to the random design of his lawn and borders.

"I was told by one young lady who was visiting that my garden was nice 'because it was all wiggly'," he laughed.

"I must admit the borders and edging do take a lot of work, but I get pleasure from it and I'm glad if other people do too."

At one time the Royal Horticultural Society member had over 300 varieties of heather on display.

"I've been a widower since 2000 so my gardening keeps me busy. At this time of year I feel the garden really has the 'wow' factor," he added. "The colours just now are beautiful.

"I'm not one of these gardeners who rely on a lot of annuals - my garden has a feeling of tranquillity with different greens, hostas and shrubs. It means it's a 12-months-a-year garden."

And Norman, a former engineering lecturer, has had plenty of time to let those shrubs and trees mature as he has lived in the same house since it was built 55 years ago!