Ian is king of the allotments

CHAMPION . . . Ian with his prestigious award

CHAMPION gardener Ian Kershaw has earned the prestigious honour of being the first winner of the Andrew Bullough Trophy.

The 61-year-old father-of-two was chosen for the award by an independent judge who declared he had the best plot at Werneth Allotment Society.

Thrilled at his win, Ian, who is married to Christine, said: “It’s an absolute honour, but winning it was the last thing on my mind. I don’t do it to win competitions, I do it for the fun of it.”

The late Mr Bullough was a legend in his own lifetime and worked his allotment for 60 years.

Ian added: “I knew Andrew well. He used to win trophies for fun, and his reputation goes before him.

“I use some of the techniques he passed on, and I am sure that helped me to win the award.”

Ian, of Merton Avenue, Coppice, has tended his 60ft by 30ft plot in Werneth for 25 years.

He grows a huge variety of produce, and said: “There are busy times of the year, such as digging over and planting, but I’m not a slave to it. I do little and often, but I enjoy it.

“It’s very relaxing and has a good social side. You meet different people with the same interest and can share ideas.”

The rose bowl looks set to become a coveted award among allotment-holders at Werneth Park, and Alan Davies, secretary of Werneth Allotment Society, said Ian was a deserved first winner.

Mr Davies said: “Ian’s a classic gardener and his plot is always good.”

Mr Bullough was recognised as one of the foremost allotmenteers both in Oldham and the nation, and his son, John, donated the trophy in memory of his father, to be awarded annually to the best Werneth allotment.

Mr Bullough was 19 times winner of the Chronicle Horticultural Cup for the best kept allotment.

He died earlier this year at the age of 97.