AFTER working at Ashwood Nurseries for 50 years, one member of staff has been honoured with a prestigious long-service award.

Anthony Cartwright, more commonly known as Tony, has been given the Royal Horticultural Society award for his 51 years of service.

Tony was awarded his medal by nursery owner John Massey in front of present and past staff and invited guests at a special evening event celebrating Ashwood’s 50th anniversary.

He first started working part-time at Ashwood Nurseries – when it was owned by H.E. Beach – from the age of 15 after school, at weekends and during his school holidays.

Tony became full-time at the age of 16 after John bought the nursery in 1967.

Alongside the day to day running of Ashwood, and developing the nursery into what it is today alongside John and previous nursery manager Philip Baulk, Tony, with Howard Drury, also established ‘The Ashwood Gardening Club’ in 1995 who met once a month from October to March for 22 years, meeting for the last time in March 2017.

A spokesman for Ashwood Nurseries said: “John and his team are thrilled Tony has been recognised for his many years of service to the horticultural industry.

“It is also fantastic news for our golden anniversary celebrations which are continuing throughout 2017.”

John Massey’s private garden will be open to the public for charity for the final time in 2017 on Saturday, September 30, in aid of the Beacon Centre.

The garden is open from 10am until 4pm with entrance costing £5.