A landscape gardener from Welwyn Garden City has won a national award for transforming the grounds of a five-bedroom house near Wheathampstead.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Brazilian dancers were on hand when TV presenter Ben Shephard (right)and Mike Leeming of Bradstone (left) presnted an award to Craig McGibbon.Brazilian dancers were on hand when TV presenter Ben Shephard (right)and Mike Leeming of Bradstone (left) presnted an award to Craig McGibbon. (Image: Archant)

Craig McGibbon, 40, of Dunsters Mead, was awarded Best Patio Transformation by paving supplier Bradstone for a job he completed between April and June last year in the village of Blackmore End.

The judges’ ruling said: “Patios do not come more transformational than this.

“Craig’s application of honeymede limestone paving to turn a tired, unused patio into an inspirational outdoor space was so good, we used it in Bradstone’s 2014 brochure.”

Craig and his assistant Les Egglishaw completely relaid the 70-square metre patio, and built an open-sided outdoor kitchen with a sliding barbecue.

He told the WHT: “I didn’t expect to win.

“I thought the competition would be pretty tough.

“I was surprised, but absolutely delighted.

“We are very proud, and looking forward to another great season with more interesting work.”