TELEVISION garden and DIY expert Tommy Walsh has put green-fingered fans through their paces on the Longleat estate, near Warminster.

The star of BBC show Ground Force was a special guest at an open day for Batsford Timber on Saturday.

Over 200 amateur gardeners were given expert advice on backyard buildings and major projects and received autographs and photographs.

Richard Jones, manager at Batsford Timber, said: "The advice was well-received by everyone who turned up and because he is a construction expert he told how gardeners should always ensure they always carry out their homework before they start. He was a lovely man with no airs and graces and what you see is what you get.

"Despite the torrential rain and gale force winds everyone enjoyed themselves and it didn't dampen the spirits."

The open day was held to announce a new layout of the retail space at Batsford Timber.

Mr Jones said: "The open day was intended to show traders we have a good profile and customers that we have a great range for our gardeners as well as things to buy."

One guest said: "I found Tommy Walsh very helpful, he showed me how to lay out stones for a path in my garden and how to put up a pergola."