A GARDEN which reflects the amazing story of selfless bravery that began in 1943 involving an injured RAF navigator and a courageous group of French people has won a silver gilt medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The garden, which was commissioned by Chorley Council for its first-ever entry at the show, has seen praise from visitors and media from all over the world.

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Councillor Alistair Bradley, leader of Chorley Council, said: “We’ve been blown away by the reaction to our garden and it is not only a fantastic design but there’s a real tale of sacrifice and bravery behind it.

“The show is a great opportunity to put Chorley on the map.

“After Chelsea we will be bringing the garden back to Chorley and I’m sure it will be something everyone can be proud of.”

The authority commissioned award-winning Chorley designer John Everiss 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.

John’s design, The Evaders Garden, is formed to illustrate the bond between helper and evader in war-torn France.

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

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

Mr Everiss said: “It was an honour to be chosen to create a design for my hometown.

“I’m always intrigued by stories of the unexpected and how people have battled against the odds and this is a truly amazing story, telling the tale of what was an all too familiar scenario during the Second World War.

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

The garden will be unveiled in Astley Park in time for the new Chorley Flower Show on August 1 and 2 and will also be a permanent feature attracting visitors to the town.

The garden featured in the Artisan section and is also up for the People’s Choice award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and anyone wishing to vote for The Evaders Garden by Chorley Council can do so at www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/gardens/Peoples-Choice.