THE Norfolk coastline was the inspiration for Andy Tudbury's last show garden, but his latest has been spurred on by something more unusual.

For the BBC Gardener's World Live show, which has been taking place at the NEC in Birmingham this week, Andy has planted a ten by nine metre garden in the shape of a football pitch.

Using the World Cup as inspiration, it features a border of highly-scented English roses, trees, a beech hedge and a pitch. It even has a bench at the half-way mark.

"I always look to do something different whenever I do garden shows," says Andy, who lives in Papplewick.

Speaking before the start of the show, he said, "The piece will reflect a very traditional English garden but with a twist, to reflect the World Cup.

"The piece will be surrounded by roses and trees and will hopefully be very colourful and fragrant."

The piece was commissioned by recycling company Tyre Disposal, and Andy has used Re-Bound garden chippings which are made from old car tyres.

Andy's last show entry, called Norfolk Beach Garden, saw him winning a silver medal award at the Malvern Spring Show, and he was even selected to meet Princess Anne.

The silver medal was the first in his horticultural career, after six consecutive bronze awards.

"She asked me about my inspiration and was very friendly and talkative," says Andy, 50, of meeting Princess Anne.

"I felt elated, very pleased indeed, as it was my first silver."

The entry was based on the Norfolk coastline Wells-Next- To-Sea. It incorporated items commonly found on the shores including shells and seaweed. Sand was also imported from the beach itself.

The piece also included a beach hut and mini tidal pool.

"The coastline was built in the 1600s as a way of delaying erosion. My work is designed to reflect this through horticulture," says Andy.

The show, in May, celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year and hosted displays from over 100 nurseries across Britain.

Another display of his Norfolk Beach Garden will be shown at the Sandringham Show on the July 28. For tickets call 01485 541451 by July 1.