Green-fingered Susan Taylor has donated £3,500 to the Chelsea Pensioners after winning an auction for First World War-inspired sculpture.

Mrs Taylor, of Marten, Marlborough, placed the winning bid for the Flanders Field firebowl at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show and the donation will help provide a home for 300 veteran soldiers.

The firebowl, a spherical firepit that can be used as a patio heater, was the creation of Suffolk duck farmer Andy Gage.

Mrs Taylor said: “I was initially drawn to the artwork but the thing that made me bid is that my husband is very keen on First World War poets. I would have been disappointed if I had not won it.”