TV gardener and presenter Charlie Dimmock spent yesterday afternoon in Bishopthorpe, advising a resident how to revitalise her garden.

Ruth Hall, of Wolsey Drive, won the services of Charlie, who first came to the nation’s attention on the successful BBC1 programme Ground Force, after entering a national competition organised by the Gardening Direct catalogue.

Ruth said: “I am thrilled and delighted to have won this competition as Charlie is a renowned water gardening expert and we have a large wildlife pond that needs revitalising.”

She said she also wanted to ask for advice about adding shade in certain parts of the garden and how to prevent molehills.

Charlie advised her on the best varieties for the different areas of her garden along with giving tips on humane pest control.

Ruth, one of thousands of entrants who wrote in 100 words or less why they wanted Charlie to visit their home and give advice, said afterwards: “It has been lovely. She was nice and down to earth.”