A grandfather who spends endless hours tending to his garden was “amazed” when he won an award for his handiwork.

John Randall, of Emunds Walk, East Finchley, received a knock on the door telling him he had won the Finchley in Bloom competition.

The competition was launched by The Finchley Society after concerns among members at the number of households paving over their front gardens.

Mr Randall, 80, said: “I love gardening and walking in the countryside. I suppose it’s in my blood because my dad was a gardener too. He had a beautiful garden.

“It gives me a great deal of pleasure and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. Plus, as I get older it’s great exercise.

“I have roses, hydrangeas and all sorts of flowers. I really do love it.”

Mr Randall, a former menswear salesman, was given a £100 voucher to spend at Finchley nursery – but has not yet decided how he will spend his winnings.

He said he was left “thrilled” to receive the prize.

He added: “My wife and I couldn’t believe it, it’s really extraordinary and nothing like this has ever happened to me before.”