TELEVISION gardening presenter Simon Cross is to teach a town how to deck the halls with wreaths of holly.

The celebrity will instruct residents at six classes across Middlesbrough on how to make Christmas wreaths and Yule logs.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for community safety and leisure, said: "These training courses have proved tremendously popular in previous years. Not only do they brighten up the dark days of December, but they can sow the seeds of an interest in gardening and green issues that can last all year long."

The first event is at Ayresome Community Enterprise Centre, in Parliament Road, Middlesbrough, on Thursday, from noon to 2pm. Further sessions will be held at Thorntree, on Friday, followed by a session at Brambles Farm, on Monday, December 11, at North Ormesby, on December 12, at Easterside, on December 13, and the University ward, on December 16.

Les Broomhead, of the council's community protection service, wants to hear from groups in Middlesbrough, who might be interested in similar classes in December next year. Call 01642-728234.