A GARDENING expert who was instrumental in organising the popular Harrogate Flower Shows has been honoured by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

Martin Fish started his career on a parks department and is now a well-known garden writer for several publications and a gardening expert for BBC Radio York.

Mr Fish is a former President and show director of the Harrogate Flower Shows, and over the last nine years has created a beautiful garden near Thirsk that visitors can book to see.

He is still involved in many gardening groups, including as a joint Patron of the Ripon Walled Garden.

RHS President, Sir Nicholas Bacon presented Mr Fish with the Harlow Carr Medal, an annual award given to people who have made a significant contribution to horticulture in the North of England.

Mr Fish said he was “delighted and thrilled” to receive the award.