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A garden designed by a Telford & Wrekin Council officer to attract butterflies has been awarded third place at this year's BBC Gardeners' World Live. Keith Slater, a member of the Council's Environmental Maintenance team, was one of nine horticultural students to be asked to design a garden for the Birmingham Borders section of the prestigious event at Birmingham NEC.

(PICTURED: Proud Keith with his garden)

After creating a spring meadow garden aimed at taking the countryside to the big city, Keith was delighted to scoop third place out of 16 entries.

Keith, who is currently studying for a Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Horticulture with the City of Wolverhampton College, created a garden that was reminiscent of a spring meadow and one that would help local wildlife thrive in their natural habitat. The plants used in the garden were similar to those used to create wildflower meadows in roadside verges and roundabouts across Telford and Wrekin.

Keith said: "The idea came from working with the council and Shropshire Wildlife Trust to manage open spaces in a way that helps wildlife to flourish. This is something we do across the borough and the same methods were emulated in the Butterfly Garden.

"This is my first competition of this kind so I am absolutely delighted to have won third place against some very strong competition."

Cllr Steven Bentley Cabinet Member for Environment at Telford & Wrekin Council said: "Congratulations to Keith on his achievement. The council is committed to enhancing and protecting the natural environment locally and Keith obviously has the creativity and skills to help us do that."