COULD this be the best hanging basket display in town?

John Myram, 71, of Swallowdale, Covingham, is continually told by passers-by that the colourful display of flowers adorning his home is beyond compare.

The former council parks and gardens employee turned from growing vegetables to flowers a few years ago and he has not looked back.

He said: "We have flowers everywhere, especially in the front garden. Everybody's been on about it, they have said they've never seen baskets like it. People ask me what my secret is, but I won't tell them."

John said most of his blooms belong to the petunia family.

He does not buy seeds, instead opting for good quality plants from reputable companies.

"I go from year to year," he said. "What does well one year I will go for the next year.

"One tip I will give is that you need to get a good, big basket. Another is to use a slow acting fertiliser."

John's wife, Sylvia, 67, admires John's efforts but admits she is not a gardener herself.

"It is very colourful," she said. "John's really chuffed with how the garden looks this year."