THE Royal Horticultural Society garden Rosemoor has smashed previous records for visitor numbers, having its best ever year in 2013.

The garden battled with poor summer weather but saw total visitor numbers rise by 10% in 2013, making it one of the most popular attractions in Devon.

Sally Charleton, head of site at RHS Rosemoor, said: 'The fact that visits to the garden have grown is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who make the garden such a wonderful experience for our visitors. We have high hopes for 2014 too, with many new developments and exciting events including our 'Journeys into Middle Earth' exhibition.'

The RHS acquired Rosemoor in 1988 after Lady Anne gave the estate to the society. Since then, the RHS's team have built on the strong foundations making considerable developments and increasing the garden's horticultural interest and family appeal.

Under the RHS's stewardship, visitor numbers have increased from 49,000 in 1990, to its current record breaking figure of over 146,000 in 2013.

Similar news was celebrated at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex and RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Yorkshire, both of which also announced their best years ever.