A college hoped to repeat its 2011 triumph when it took part in a young gardeners competition.

But Capel Manor College, in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, had to make do with the ‘silver gilt’ at the awards hosted by David Domoney and Alan Titchmarsh.

The contest offers students the chance to showcase their work at the Ideal Homes Show, where they are given a 5.5m by 4m plot in which to plan and design a garden.

This year judges were looking for gardens that demonstrated innovative ways to reuse rainwater to reflect their commitment to sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS).

This was the third time in a row the college has claimed a prize at the show, but the eventual winners were Writtle College in Essex.

David Domoney, organiser of the competition, said: "As always, it's been a privilege to be so involved in this competition that allows young landscapers and designers to showcase their work for the first time.

“The careful planning, hard work and effort that goes into each of the show gardens is truly inspiring, and Writtle College's garden highlighted to the public just what can be achieved in such a small urban space."