Myerscough student makes final of national Young Horticulturist of the Year competition

Frank Cooke (third from left) with the other finalists

Frank Cooke won the North West and North Wales Regional Final of the competition, at Reaseheath College, earlier this year.

Last week, Frank attended the grand final of the competition at Hestercombe Gardens in Taunton, alongside other finalists from Ireland, Scotland and Midlands, South East and Wales.

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 Certificate in Practical Horticulture, was the youngest ever grand finalist in the history of the competition.

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.

Representatives of the CIH emphasized the importance of utilising the final as a networking opportunity, so throughout the day, finalists and attendees alike exchanged insights and perspectives on the challenges facing the industry”

National Organiser, Victoria George, said “I was so excited to be heading to Hestercombe for this year’s final, and the day did not disappoint. We had an amazing venue, beautiful weather, and a fantastic set of finalists who really put their all into enjoying the day, networking and getting stuck into those questions!”