GARDENING guru Nicholas Roeber faces a tough task when he comes to the North-East next month.

He has to come up with ways of improving what most green-fingered enthusiasts would regard as a near perfect "patch".

The renowned garden designer will run the rule over the well-tended green-sward of Gerry and Marjorie Cox, alongside their Chester-le-Street home.

As winners of The Northern Echo's garden make-over competition, they are to benefit from the suggestions of the London designer. They correctly answered all 24 questions set by The Northern Echo Gardening Club's resident expert Philip Swindells to win the fantastic make-over prize.

Gerry, the former operator of the Langley Park-based Gypsy Queen coaches, has spent much of the past dozen years in retirement, backed by Marjorie, tending their garden.

He admits it has been "hard work", but said all he has aimed to do is keep the garden "nice and tidy". "I wouldn't say it's perfect, but it's to the best of our efforts.

"When I first came here 20 years ago it was a building site, but we have got it the way we want it. But we'll still be keen to hear what Nicholas Roeber has to say about what can be done."

Philip Swindells paid a visit yesterday to pass on the good news to Gerry and Marjorie.

l Find out more online at www.thisis thenortheast.co.uk/gardening