STAFF and volunteers from the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens at Rosemoor were presented to the Duke of Kent last Thursday when he visited it as part of a tour of the county's top attractions.

The Duke enjoyed an extensive tour of Rosemoor. which in three weeks' time will celebrate its twelth anniversary of RHS ownership and the completion of its 15-year development master plan.

The Lord Lt of Devon, Eric Dancer, greeted the Duke and introduced senior representatives of Devon County and Torridge District councils, Lt Col Johnny Dean, director of Rosemoor, and Mrs Joyce Stewart, RHS director of horticulture, education and science.

Accompanied by Lady Christine Skelmersdale, member of the RHS Council, and Christopher Bailes, curator of Rosemoor, the Duke visited the new model shade garden and planted a beech tree (Fagus Sylvatica) nearby, assisted by garden superintendent Helen Round.

Before leaving, the Duke was presented with a Rosa Rugosa 'Alba' by Lesley Kane, assistant to the curator, and Sue Costa, plant records assistant.