Colin Wicks is a dab hand at gardening. His prowess has put him shoots ahead of fellow green-fingered enthusiasts to become overall winner of Colchester Council best-kept allotment award.

But Colin's activities at the plot are confined to light work only and it is thanks to wife Susan, who does the heavy digging, that he is able to further his growing skill.

Last year, Colin, 48, who is unable to work following a back operation, was runner-up in the competition.

The allotment provides the couple with vegetables, fruit and flowers and Susan said: "We have had the allotment for three years and when we first got it, it was in a real mess.

"I have always been interested in gardening but Colin has taken it up since he had been unable to work. Colin goes there every day as we only have a small garden at home."

Their allotment is at East Bay and Colin will receive his award from mayor Martin Hunt at a ceremony at the town hall.

Runner-up in the competition, sponsored by Essex brewer Ridleys, was Philip Faraday of Brook Street Allotments.

Highly-commended certificates go to Ray Gardener and Mr Harris, of East Bay; Mr Gee of The Willows Allotment, Mr Alexander of Bergholt Road Allotment, Mr Lott of Stanway Allotment, Mr Barnes and Mr Gamage of Severalls Allotment, Mrs Firmin, Mr Horn and Mr Barbrooke of Lexden Allotments and Mr Wassell of Highfield Drive Allotment.

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