FORMER Atomic Kitten star Liz McClarnon joined thousands of visitors at the first day of this year’s Southport Flower Show yesterday.

Around 70,000 visitors are expected in Victoria Park over the four days to enjoy award-winning show gardens, celebrity cookery demonstrations and medieval jousting.

As well as presenting the winners’ trophies, Garston-born McClarnon was hoping to pick up some tips on growing her own vegetables.

She said: “I just have window boxes, and I have tried to grow my own tomatoes but they died.

“It is not like I don’t want to do it, I do, but I am bereft of any gardening talent whatsoever.

“I thought I would come here today just to see how it is done and hopefully pick up some tips.”

Show patron and celebrity botanist David Bellamy had a sweet pea flower named after him.

He said: “It is very unexpected. During the war, the sweet pea was the last thing my mum let go. I used to try and grow them but I never found them easy.”

Five years after he won the student garden of the year award, Paul Richards won the Brockhouse Trophy for the best exhibit in show as well as the best show garden.

Paul, 44, of Halsall, impressed the judges with his classic 1930’s design which tied in with the vintage theme of this year’s show. The water was dyed black to give a reflection of the rest of the garden.

Paul said: “It feels great to have won and it’s nice to have recognition for all the hard work we have done.

“The trophy is a tribute to the skill and quality of the landscapers.

“This was the first time I had exhibited at Southport since I won as a student.

“It was a surprise to come first as you never expect to win something like this.”

Horticultural manager, Terry Tasker, who has worked at the show for 27 years said: “Last night at the gala dinner I was stood in the corner looking down the Grand Floral marquee with a glass of Champagne.

“Everyone has pulled together and it looked magical.”

Flower Show chairman David Rose said: “It has been a fantastic effort by everyone involved to put the show on.

“We have worked tirelessly for the last 18 days and it has all come together. We have celebrities from horticulture, food and entertainment and I'm grateful to all of them for coming along. The flower show is an amazing place to be and I would urge everyone to come down over the next three days and enjoy it.”