Biddulph's fabulous gardening heritage, including Biddulph Grange Gardens, the Biddulph in Bloom volunteers and Hilda Sheldon, was shown on a BBC gardening programme that was on TV today (Tuesday 11th October).

An in-depth look into Biddulph and its proud history of gardening was shown on the programme Glorious Gardens From Above, a series where presenter Christine Walkden takes to a hot air balloon to showcase some of the most glorious gardens around the country.

The series was first broadcast in 2014 but is currently being shown again every day on BBC Two, with the Biddulph episode being shown this afternoon. It has also been uploaded onto BBC iPlayer for people to watch on demand.

The episode is a wonderful reminder of Biddulph's many lovely green spaces, from the famous Biddulph Grange Gardens to the many floral displays around the town, and the team of Biddulph in Bloom volunteers who keep the place looking its blooming best.

Christine starts by taking a tour of Biddulph Grange Gardens and speaks to the team of hardworking gardeners who keep them looking in such pristine condition.

She then takes a trip into Biddulph town centre and speaks to the town's dedicated Biddulph in Bloom volunteers including Hilda Sheldon, who co-ordinated the Biddulph in Bloom efforts for many years, with the town being granted several prestigious awards for its gorgeous floral displays. She was awarded an MBE for her dedication to the town, and sadly passed away in June.

Christine said of Hilda and the In Bloom team: "A group of volunteers are moving on from their town's industrial past. Biddulph once relied on local industry for its prosperity. Mining put the town on the map in the 19th century, but the decline of local industry hit the town hard.

"But one local resident, Hilda Sheldon, has made it her mission to brighten up the place."

Hilda told Christine: "The town found itself in a really bad way, and a group of us got together to do something about the town's poor environment, and to give the people a sense of pride in where they live."

Christine added: "Over 20 years ago Hilda set up Biddulph in Bloom, and a dedicated group of volunteers set to work, revitalising the town and planting thousands of plants, and maintaining local areas."

You can watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer now by clicking here.