PROUD gardener and Bournemouth in Bloom award winner, Bob Osborne, has died at the age of 88.

Bob Osborne, who lived in the town throughout his life, was born in Pine Road in Winton as one of 11 siblings, including one sister, Beatrice, who sadly died at the age of two. His other siblings were Ron, Marina, Pearl, Richard, Arthur, Doug, Harry, Dorothy and Violet.

He attended Winton Boys School, which was formerly based in Coronation Avenue before leaving education. He was a prominent member of the Scouts and appeared many of the gang shows in Bournemouth.

Bob went on to work for Bournemouth Council's parks department and then on Arthur Green's smallholding before it closed. He then joined Langley and Sons Nurseries and later Dowlands Nursery for eight years before returning to Bournemouth Council's parks department. He worked in the East and West Howe areas for 26 years and finished his career as a foreman before being made redundant at the age of 60.

He married his wife, Joyce Mary Osborne, who was known as Joy to friends and loved ones, in 1965 after meeting at Winton Methodist Church on Fitzharris Avenue. They welcomed their first son, Andrew in 1967 and their second son, Tim, arrived in 1971.

In October 1991, he appeared in the Daily Echo's Garden of the Week section where he spoke about his gardens and his life growing fruit and vegetables. He had made a list of the top 10 finalists in the front garden category of the Bournemouth in Bloom after being nominated by the local postman. He later went on to win awards for the busy lizzies and begonias that he grew, with his gardening attracting the attention of many passing residents and tourists.

Despite being able to grow cabbages weighing up 22lbs and carrots as thick as a person's arms, he said that he had never considered that his garden was 'good enough' to take part in any competitions.

Asked about his life of gardening, he said: "It might seem strange that I should choose a hobby which is an extension of my working life but I love growing things and greenhouse work."

Bob died on May 9 and his funeral will be held at Bournemouth Crematorium on May 26 at 11.30am with donations going to Macmillan Locally, which is based in Christchurch.