CHRISTOPHER Stapleton is the youngest winner of a prestigious regional horticultural award.

The Spennymoor teenager followed in the footsteps of his father, Colin, and grandfather, Harold, to be named North-East Champion at Durham and Northumberland Fuchsia Society's annual show.

At 18 years old Christopher is one of the society's youngest members and in just his third year of showing fuchsias he has landed the event's top honour.

Judges Ian Jackson, of Glasgow, and Keith McManus, of Manchester, were so impressed with the standard fuchsia's size, colour and bloom that there was little doubt in their minds who deserved the champion's cup.

President Ray O'Brien said: "Christopher and his family ought to be extremely proud, they've a tradition of doing well in the show and this is certainly a great accomplishment.

"Its very nice to see young people making the time and effort to produce such stunning plants.

"Christopher's exhibit tops off a great display of more than 250 exhibits, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, in what has been a difficult year for growing."

Christopher claims to have no secret to success, just good old fashioned hard work and care.

He said: "I was really pleased to win, I usually have to start my plants outside because dad picks the best spots, but now I've got the trophy he'll have to make way so I can try to retain it next year."