Great grandfather's an award-winner

Former postman Albert Pountney has a full-time job on his hands, nurturing 500 plants and 50 hanging baskets in his spectacular garden.

Today, Mr Pountney was celebrating after his hard work earned him Wolverhampton's Floral City award.

The 84-year-old, a great grandfather of one and a grandfather of four, stunned judges at his home on Harper Avenue, Wednesfield, with his expansive floral arrangements - including a bumper crop of chrysanthemums which are currently lovingly wrapped up to protect them from the rain and bugs.

He said: "I started work on the Chrysanthemums in January and I've worked on the garden pretty much since then.

"Nobody helps me to do it, the garden is all my own work and so I feel like this recognition is a bit of a personal achievement.

"I'm very proud."

Mr Pountney's garden includes oddities like an Edward VII post box, given to him after his 31 years' service with General Post Office and later Royal Mail.

His twice-daily bike trips to Willenhall to deliver his rounds of post are what he believes has kept him fit.

But while Mr Pountney, who won his first gardening award in the 1950s, is extremely proud of his latest gong, wife Margaret, 79, is not quite as loved-up with his lavenders.

He said: "She's not in the slightest bit interested.

"In fact she always says 'oh you're not in the garden again'."