A LANDSCAPE artist is aiming for flower show success after securing a £10,000 grant.

Alan Capper, who runs Newcastle company Kent Design, has been given the grant from the regional development agency One NorthEast to prepare his entry, the Great North garden, for the Chelsea Flower Show.

It is the first time Mr Capper, 34, has entered the world-renowned event and he was granted one of eight finalists' places in the show's new small gardens category after his courtyard garden impressed the judges.

It incorporates dozens of silver French boules in the ground, complemented by orange pebble lights, which give the garden a mystical quality.

The focal point is a stainless steel fountain set in front of clear panels with bubbling orange water.

Working with project partners Landscape Management Services, of Killingworth, North Tyneside, Mr Capper will have four days to build the 15ft x 12ft garden in time for judging on May 20, after which it will be on display in the show until May 24.

Mr Capper, who usually works on executive housing estates, said: "We approached One NorthEast because we wanted someone with a strong regional presence to sponsor us, and we really appreciate the help they have given us.

"It was pretty amazing to be accepted first time by the Royal Horticultural Society for the show.

"I've tried to create a really strong, visually stimulating space, but at the same time quite relaxing as well."

Mr Capper has previously worked on the award winning River Skerne restoration project in Darlington.