GREEN-FINGERED Brian Marshall turned out to be a winner - even though he did not even know a competition was taking place.

Judges of the Summerseat Topiary competition decided that his artistic endeavours in his garden in Hamer Terrace justly deserved their reward for a job well done.

However, when Mr Marshall, who has also created another piece of eye-catching topiary at Ronnie Bank in the village, was told he had won he admitted he was not aware the event was even taking place.

The competition was the brain-child of Louise Brookes, one of a team of artists who have been working in and around Summerseat as part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail. GREEN-FINGERED Brian Marshall turned out to be a winner - even though he did not even know a competition was taking place.

Judges of the Summerseat Topiary competition decided that his artistic endeavours in his garden in Hamer Terrace justly deserved their reward for a job well done.

However, when Mr Marshall, who has also created another piece of eye-catching topiary at Ronnie Bank in the village, was told he had won he admitted he was not aware the event was even taking place.

The competition was the brain-child of Louise Brookes, one of a team of artists who have been working in and around Summerseat as part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail.