TV garden to be moved north

The Blue Peter garden might have inspired a number of garden and greenhouse enthusiasts to take up their hobby.

However, recent reports could have had some concerns the iconic green space at the BBCs White City headquarters in London was being scrapped.

The television company moved to quash claims it will be turned into a "virtual garden", explaining it will follow the shows set to the new Manchester facility in 2011.

Founded more than 30 years ago, the current site has never been far from the headlines, with former footballer Les Ferdinand once stirring up controversy by jokingly claiming he helped vandalise it.

The green space has also had more than plants dug into its soil – one of Blue Peters longest-serving pets was buried there after 22 years service.

George the tortoise was believed to be in his 80s when Konnie Huq, Simon Thomas, Matt Baker and Liz Barker laid him to rest in the garden in 2004.

The shows editor Richard Marson said at the time: "George was very popular with several generations of Blue Peter viewers and we will all really miss him."