A passion flowers and shrubbery could win green-fingered homeowners a country cottage in Dedham.

The 17th century thatched home is the unusual star prize contestants in a brand new TV programme are hoping for.

The cottage was snapped up last year by producers of the ITV series Better Gardens, hosted by Carol Vorderman.

Homeowners are invited to transform their own gardens using £7,000 given to them by the programme.

But they are offered a helping hand by garden designers and plant experts.

The eventual winners of the competition will be the proud owners of the two-bedroom cottage, which had been on the market for £114,500.

Peter Sutherland, manager of Abbotts Estate Agents, in Dedham High Street, which sold the property, said they had no idea it was to be offered as a prize when Granada Television bought it last year.

The winners will be revealed in the final programme, to be screened at the end of February.

A spokesman for Granada said contestants from all over the country were competing in heats in the hope of reaching the grand final for a chance to win the luxury home.

He said the winner had not yet been chosen.

The show is screened on Sunday at 7pm on ITV.

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