A YOUNG gardener from Dinas Powys has been named as a finalist in the Royal Horticultural Society's school gardener of the year.

Dan Tailby, aged six, from Dinas Powys Primary School, is one of four children in his age category throughout the UK to be invited to a special celebratory day at RHS Wisley in Surrey.

He and his family will be given an exclusive tour, a sit down afternoon tea and a chance to meet expert gardeners and as well as celebratory gardener Frances Tophill.

He has also been given a video camera to make a short film to convince the judges that he should be an overall winner.

Dan's interest in gardening first became apparent when he was three years old when his family became involved in a project at the newly opened Nightingale Community Gardens in Dinas Powys.

Five families shared one of the plot to learn how to grow vegetables over a year.

Dan was one of eight children involved. While all the children enjoyed it, Dan was hooked.

When the others went off to play in the play area, Dan stayed on the plot engrossed. And today, while the other children are busy with new interests Dan is still there.

He insisted his Mum take on part of the plot herself at the end of the year, so that he can continue to grow his crops.

This is now his third season growing food in the community garden and he is still as keen as he was when the garden was set up. His enthusiasm has lasted and is beyond that normally seen in children of his age.

Once shown how to plant or harvest a crop he does it methodically and efficiently. He is capable of choosing the correct tool from the shed for a job, and understands what the crops need to thrive, and what pests may threaten them.

He takes an interest in the plants progress without adult intervention. He really does love the whole experience. His favourite vegetables to eat are peas straight from the pod and sweetcorn.

The other adults at the plot enjoy his company and he will help neighbouring plot holders if given the chance. He also enjoys a cup of freshly brewed tea shared by some of the men and listens in to the banter with interest.

He really has become part of the community.