BRIDGWATER gardener Mike Higgins said he was ‘overwhelmed’ to have been awarded the Associate of Honour from the Royal Chrysanthemum Society.

Mike, who has collected no fewer than ten gold medals at Chelsea Flower Show, became one of only five people who currently hold the prestigious honour at an awards ceremony earlier this month.

Since the society formed in 1846, the award has only been given to 114 members and Mike, of Wembdon Hill, said he couldn’t believe it when he was chosen.

He said: “I’m incredibly honoured. I’m not usually one for to let my feelings show but when I was presented with the award somebody said to me ‘did I detect a hint of emotion?’ and I just said four words: emotional, honoured, thank you.”

The award is given to horticulturalists who have rendered distinguished services to the Royal Chrysanthemum Society throughout their working lives.