HORTICULTURE students are celebrating victory in a national competition which could see them heading for a world title in Japan in two years' time.

Keith Chapman, of Bedale, and Tim Lancaster, of Guiseley, took top honours at the 2005 UK Landscape Skills competition and now have the opportunity to contest the world finals in 2007.

Both 19, they are students at Askham Bryan College, in York, where Keith is studying for a higher national diploma and Tim, a national diploma.

Principal Professor Gareth Rees said: "This is a fantastic achievement both for the students and for the college.

"To win a national award takes hard work, skill, knowledge and the ability to keep a cool head under pressure. We are absolutely delighted and their success is richly deserved."

The Askham Bryan team had to follow a brief to create a landscaped garden in two-and-a-half days.

The college's lecturer in landscape construction, Harry Turner, said: "It was a tough project as the competition is designed as a typical commercial brief.

"The judges commented on how professional Tim and Keith were, and that their approach was methodical, structured, but imaginative.

"There were a lot of elements to include in a small area, but they created a garden which not only achieved this, but was pleasant and uncluttered."

Keith and Tim were supported by fellow students Robert Brooks and Andy Lewis, who were members of the team in the regional round earlier this year.