A green-fingered schoolboy has been recognised as one of the nation’s best young gardeners after making it to the final of prestigious competition.

Liam Richardson, 15, was one of 16 youngsters shortlisted for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Young School Gardener of the Year title.

The Ongar teenager was invited to an awards ceremony at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, where he was presented with gardening equipment, a gift voucher and a special engraved hand trowel.

Liam said: “It was so exciting to be a finalist. Wisley was amazing, we spent the whole day there.

“There was the awards ceremony and we toured the gardens where we met some RHS students and one gave me some really good careers advice. Afterwards we all had a lovely afternoon tea.”

Liam attends the Endeavour School in Brentwood, which caters for children with moderate learning difficulties, but was a natural when the school introduced horticulture lessons last year.

The teenager had already learned how to garden and grow vegetables by working at his father’s allotment.

His work during lessons at school led him to be nominated for the competition by his horticulture teacher, Patrick Creedon.

Mr Creedon said: “When I started teaching Liam I quickly discovered I couldn’t teach him as he knew so much already. So Liam started helping to tutor other pupils.

“His interest in horticulture always shines through. His knowledge is first rate and he’s very enthusiastic and reliable.

“Liam is always first to volunteer, will do any activity and he never tires of doing anything.

“Despite his learning disabilities, Liam needs only minimum instruction to carry out any task and frequently guides other pupils.”

Liam has now taken over his dad’s allotment and also grows vegetables in his family’s back garden.

He added: “I would like to be a gardener and help people who can’t get out of their houses. It would be a great opportunity if I can do that.

“I like gardening, it calms you down and nobody’s nagging at you. I like growing vegetables for my family to eat and they taste so much better when you grow them yourself.”