Garden centre and horticultural industry staff can now sign up for a fundraising event being held at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual conference (26-29 January).

Teams will compete for the Greenfingers Challenge Cup during an afternoon of ‘orse racin’ on January 26 at The Mercure Bristol, Grand Hotel to raise money for Greenfingers, which creates gardens at children’s hospices.

Ian Flounders from Woodlodge Products, who captains The Cabbages team, made up of garden centre suppliers, said: “In the spirit of recycling and reusing and in keeping with the theme of this year’s conference, we’ve decided to bring back our favourite event from conferences gone by.

“The Cabbages, headed up by myself, and The Pansies, made up of garden centre staff and headed up by Guy Topping, will compete in an afternoon of horse racing and take on the brand-new course ‘The Greenfingers Grand’.

“Last year we raised £6,500 for the charity and we’re hoping to beat this total this year, so we’re asking anyone who hasn’t yet signed up and would like to, to get in touch via captaincabbage@woodlodge.co.uk or call 07917 425966.

“The Pansies lifted the cup last year, but this year The Cabbages are coming for their crown. Guy and I have also arranged a special something to take place in the evening for GCA members.

“Ultimately, our main aim is to raise as much money as possible to help our fantastic charity and we hope lots of people get involved.”