Caterham resident Sue Baines has been awarded first prize in the Gardener of the Year 2011 competition run by Garden News Magazine. The magazine described Sue's stunning garden in Burntwood Lane as the 'best garden in Britain.'

Sue has twice been runnerup in the Daily Mail 'Garden of the Year' competition and came second in the TV programme 'Gardener's World' competition in 2009. She also came second in last year's Garden News competition so the win is particularly welcome after so many near misses.

Sue said: "Looking after the garden takes up a lot of time but I love the fun of it. My husband Geoff also works very hard taking care of the heavier jobs and the building projects - he is worth his weight in gold!"

For some expert gardening tips from Sue see her column 'Diary of a Plantaholic' on page 12.