A STORY of selfless bravery that began in 1943 involving an injured RAF navigator and a courageous group of French people will get the public attention it deserves as part of an East Lancashire town’s first ever exhibit at Chelsea Flower Show.

Chorley Council has commissioned gold-medal winning designer John Everiss, who lives in the town, to tell the tale of his father’s amazing story when he beat the odds after being shot down over enemy lines during the Second World War.

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After displaying at the world’s most prestigious flower show the garden will be transported back home and become a permanent feature in Astley Park and the centrepiece for the first ever flower show to be held in the grounds on August 1 and 2.

John’s design is formed to illustrate the bond between helper and evader in worn-torn France.

His landscape will feature a unique sculpture of a young flyer, hiding up against the wall of a war-ravaged church.

A specially commissioned stained-glass window will feature two young French people, hands out-stretched to help, and steps leading out from the church suggesting the airman’s eventual escape route.

The design has very personal elements and is broadly based on the exploits of Stan Everiss but will also resonate with families on both sides of the English Channel who have similar history and experiences.

“It’s been an honour to be chosen to create a design for my hometown and I’m really excited about Chelsea Flower Show and telling everyone about the story of my father,” said Mr Everiss.

“I’m always intrigued by stories of the unexpected and how people have battled against the odds and this is a truly amazing story.

“You can only imagine what it must have been like as the plane was shot down and the struggle to escape and the garden will be a poignant reminder of the sacrifices people made for their country.

“It should look fantastic once it has been finished.”

The garden will feature in the Artisan section of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place between May 19-23.