A STUDENT from Pershore College has scooped a prestigious award from Wyevale Nurseries.

Nicholas Russell, who is studying for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture, was presented with the Peter Williamson Travel Award after impressing the judges with a written submission and an interview.

The 25-year-old won a six-week placement at a Dutch herbaceous nursery this summer, along with £500 from Wyevale to help pay for his travel costs.

A second presentation was made to 21-year-old Christopher Horton, who is in his first year of study at Pershore College, to offer him a four-week work placement at Wyevale Nurseries this summer.

Steve Ashworth, director at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, said: "We would like to congratulate Nicholas on winning.

"The award was designed to encourage a student towards a career in nursery stock production by assisting with a practical placement at a nursery in the Netherlands.

"Nicholas won the award by displaying a spirit of adventure backed up by knowledge of and commitment to horticulture as a career.

"Nicholas also stood out because he was the lead student behind the college’s successful gold medal winning design for the Ideal Home Show.

"The Peter Williamson Travel Award was started in memory of Wyevale Nurseries former owner and chairman, Peter Williamson, who very sadly passed away in 2011."

Mr Russell said: "I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. This opportunity offered by Wyevale Nurseries will extend my experience from my Welsh origins and a Pershore College horticultural education to the hub of the European nursery world and my prime interest, which is herbaceous production.

"I will come back much wiser, I’m sure."