Just weeks after his contract ended with B&Q, celebrity gardener Alan Titchmarsh has joined forces with John Lewis Partnership supermarket Waitrose to help launch new horticulture and gardening ranges.
The supermarket said it will be "drawing on Alan's expertise" to develop and support the new ranges, which mark a new direction for the food retailer. The partnership will also see Mr Titchmarsh emphasising the links between producing good food and eating well.

Waitrose marketing director Rupert Thomas said: "Our customers' two top interests are good food and gardening. As one of Britain's most loved and trusted experts, Alan will bring his skills to developing our new gardening ranges and a very special voice to our communications."

Alan Titchmarsh commented: "Having spent almost my entire life growing everything from fruit and vegetables to flowers and plants I am delighted to have this opportunity of working with Waitrose to help raise the profile of British agriculture and horticulture.

"There is a real need to promote a greater understanding of just what is involved in producing healthy, well-grown produce and transporting it from field to fork so that it arrives with the consumer in the best possible condition.

"I've long admired Waitrose's responsible approach to food production and their determination in making available to their customers a wide variety of quality produce in first-class condition. I am hugely looking forward to playing my own part in their continuing commitment to offer the very best in home-grown food."