AN AVID gardener's amazing collection of fruit and vegetables has helped him win his fifth trophy this year. John Howell, of Howard Road, Rochester, is finding his mantlepiece increasingly weighed down with trophies after a string of accolades for his allotment.

Earlier this month the keen horticulturalist collected his latest cup as the winner in the best allotment category in Medway Council's annual Garden and Allotment competition. Mr Howell, who has been tending the allotment in Chatham for nine years, impressed the judges with his collection of fruits, vegetables and flowers.

His entry shone above the others with its variety of produce, ranging from

exotic kohlrabi to artichauts, celery, runner beans and raspberries. Gardener He said: "I love having the allotment because it means my wife and I have fresh fruit and vegetables the whole year around. It is also a hobby which gets me out of the house."

It is not the first time Mr Howell's horticultural skills have won awards. Earlier this year he collected four awards at the Strood and District Annual Show.

The key to his success? It is all about geography. Mr Howell says that by arranging his flower beds with pathways between them he is able to dig without treading on any of the soil. His 4ft-wide beds, which only need digging every five years, are another important factor.