A WIDNES garden centre is celebrating its 120th birthday.

A variety of special events will be held throughout the year to mark the milestone at Notcutts Rivendell on Mill Lane.

Founded by Roger Crompton Notcutt in Woodbridge, Suffolk as a small nursery and shop, the company has gone from strength-to-strength and currently employs 1,300 staff at 18 garden centres across the UK with an annual turnover of around £70 million.

After the First World War Notcutt started supplying homes and smaller gardens with a range of plants, trees and flowers.

Over the years it has also become well known for its shrub and tree production as well being a rose specialist.

The company has contributed to national flower and horticultural shows including the RHS Chelsea Flower Show where the Notcutts’ show gardens have won 50 gold medals.

In 2016 Notcutts received the highest accolade at the prestigious Sandringham Flower Show winning a gold medal.

The family run business is currently in its fourth generation of ownership.

Roger’s grandson horticultural pioneer Charles Notcutt was involved with growing the business for over 50 years and his daughter Caroline Notcutt is vice chairman today.

Caroline said: “It’s fantastic to see how Notcutts has grown and developed since my great-grandfather established it in 1897.

“More than anything a passion for gardening has always been at the heart of the company and I’m so proud that our values of passion, inspiration and expertise still shine through today.

“We have big and exciting plans going forward so here’s to another fantastic 120 years!”