A WILTSHIRE College student scooped second prize after designing and creating a garden at a national skills competition in Birmingham.

Jamie Franklin, who studied Horticulture at Lackham campus, ranked second in the country in the Landscape Gardening category at WorldSkills UK Live.

The 18-year-old had less than 17 hours to build a garden and showcase this skill in paving and carpentry as well as plant identification.

His garden included timber planters, decking, a trellis, flower border and water feature.

The student from East Chisenbury, said: “I can’t quite believe it!

“WorldSkills UK was a fantastic experience and although I was really nervous at the start, once I got going, I didn’t really notice all the people around me.

“I was really pleased with my garden at the end and was so shocked when they announced my name as one of the winners – it’s a great feeling!”

More than 500 students and apprentices from across Britain competed in around 70 different disciplines WorldSkills UK Live, which took place at the NEC in Birmingham between November 21-23.

Jamie's Horticulture lecturer Chris Roberts said: “Jamie winning silver was an amazing end to a successful few days.

“He worked extremely hard to complete on time and the finish on his garden was outstanding.”

Winning a silver medal means Jamie has now been invited to Chelsea Flower Show at the NEC in Birmingham next year to build another show garden.