Myerscough student makes national final of Young Horticulturist of the Year

Frank Cooke won the North West and North Wales Regional Final of the competition, at Reaseheath College over the weekend.

This annual competition is organised by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, the only professional body representing all aspects of horticulture. The Institute founded the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition shortly after it was established as a way of encouraging and rewarding excellence among those starting out in a career in horticulture and today nearly 2000 young people under the age of 30 participate each year.

16-year-old Frank, who is currently on studying for a Level 2 RHS Certifcate in Practical Horticulture, will now be in the Grand Final which will be held at Hestercombe Gardens in Taunton in May, alongside other finalists from Ireland, Scotland and Midlands, South East and Wales.

There was a total of five finalists representing Myerscough College in the event.

The YHoY competition is open to anyone across the UK and Ireland, who is under 30 year of entry, and could be a student, apprentice or someone already working in the industry. The competition tests horticultural knowledge as well as given entrants a chance to network with a wide range of individuals from across the industry.

The winner of the competition gain’s the prestige title of ‘Young Horticulturist of the Year’ and will receive a £2,500 travel bursary from The Percy Thrower Trust, generously provided by the Shropshire Horticultural Society.  The winner can undertake a trip, anywhere in the world, to study, complete work experience or embark on visits related to their chosen field of horticulture.

The Grand Final will be held on Thursday, May 9th, 2024 at Hestercombe House and Gardens, Taunton.