Three new vice-presidents for gardening body

A TV presenter, a politician and a foreign expert are the latest three additions to the Royal Horticultural Societys (RHS) staff list, it has announced.

The body – which advises gardeners how to make good use of their greenhouses and outdoor space – has confirmed Alan Titchmarsh, Lord Heseltine and Dr Kiat Tan will be made vice-presidents.

As well as a track record helping the RHS promote horticulture in schools, the former is a respected expert with numerous garden show appearances to his name, including TVs Ground Force.

Titchmarsh is a supporter of the Campaign for School Gardening, through which grants are made available to help encourage kids to learn growing skills.

Dr Tan is an expert from Singapore, who directed the countrys National Parks Board and helped establish the National Orchid Garden as a tourist attraction.

Meanwhile, former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine is an avid gardener and owns one of the most important collections of trees in the country.