Prize-winner learned tips from Churchills gardener

A man whose father worked for one of the UKs most famous leaders has won the title of Best Kept Garden in a recent contest.

Consett resident Arthur Hillands father tended the garden and greenhouse of Winston Churchill and passed on his horticultural knowledge to his son, 24dash.com reported.

Hilland Senior was reportedly the former prime ministers groundsman in the run up to World War Two, where he fought as a gunner.

Seven decades later, his son has scooped a prize for horticultural expertise in a contest launched by Derwentside Homes, the article revealed.

The 71-year-old told the news provider he intends to spend his winnings on more plants and seeds for the garden and greenhouse.

Mr Hilland explained how his father, who worked until he was 83, taught him everything he knows.

"He shared fond memories with me of working for Winston Churchill and described the war-time prime minister as a lovely man, who was really down to earth," the winner told the online resource.

Churchill served two terms as prime minister from 1940 to 1945 and 1951 to 1955.