LANDSCAPING expert Harry Turner is heading for the Far East - and the Olympics of the horticultural world.

Mr Turner, who is a lecturer at Askham Bryan College, near York, will be heading to Japan in 18 months' time as both the UK Skills training manager and as a judge in the landscape gardening section of next year's World Skills competition.

He was chosen after a long selection process and now begins a complex and demanding programme to ensure both he and the team which will represent the UK, are of world standard. The competition takes place in November next year.

"This is a tremendous accolade for Harry and a terrific endorsement of the high standard of horticulture at our college," said principal Professor Gareth Rees.

"Our horticultural section is renowned across the UK - we are regular medal winners at the top flower shows including Hampton Court, and have strong links with industry which ensure our courses are practical and relevant.

"Currently, two of our students are the UK Landscape Skills Champions, so we are hoping they will join Harry in going to Japan next year."

Askham Bryan College is one of the country's leading agricultural centres with bases at Northallerton, Bedale and Guisborough, as well as York.

The World Skills competition is the leading international vocational skills event. Held every two years, it brings together hundreds of young people to compete in 40 events, ranging from engineering to beauty therapy.

In parallel with the Olympics, contestants compete for gold, silver and bronze medals.

"The competition is literally the Olympics for us and it would be wonderful to bring back either a gold, silver or bronze medal from Japan," said Mr Turner.