A RETIRED gardener who suffers from arthritis has received two top awards from the district and town councils for her picturesque gardens.

Edith Cundy, 77, was awarded the first prize in the Marlow general area section of the Wycombe District Council garden competition for tenants.

She also scooped one of the Marlow in Bloom awards from the town council for her front garden, which has become a regular sight seeing spot for passers by.

Mrs Cundy, of Seymour Court Road, received the Batting Challenge Trophy for her tenants' competition victory, as well as £80 in cash.

"I paid my water bill with it," she said.

Mrs Cundy will receive her Marlow in Bloom award this Saturday at a town council presentation in The Causeway.

She said: "It does make me feel proud.

"I work hard on my garden and expected something because everyone makes remarks about it. It was never touched before and now people keep saying your garden looks lovely'. People stop their cars and have a look at it."

Mrs Cundy, who lives in a council-owned bungalow, says she has been a keen gardener all her life.