A retired newsagent has had a blooming great success after his garden was given a top prize in a regional competition.

Max Melbourne, 75, who used to run a newsagents in Manor Street, Braintree, came second in the Hanover Housing Association garden competition for the south east region.

Mr Melbourne, of Carrington Way, Bocking, who had been working on his garden since May, was delighted with the result.

He said: “I was surprised, I didn’t think I stood a chance as it was the first time I had entered anything.”

Mr Melbourne said his fuchsias were his favourite part of the garden.