A PAIR Of green fingered tube workers have been rewarded for their efforts to spruce up a busy Underground station.

Lyn Maynard and David Sheard were self-confessed novices when they decided to try their hands at creating a new garden at Woodford station last year.

But their hard work paid off when the station was named Best Newcomer in this summer's Underground in Bloom awards after they impressed judges with their eyecatching floral creation.

Station supervisor Ms Maynard came up with the idea for the garden, which she created with the help of Mr Sheard - a customer service officer - and a little advice from passengers.

The 48 year-old mum-of-three said: "We were really happy to get the award, and to have had the chance to make the place look nicer.

"I was a bit of a novice to be honest, and we kind of made it up as we went along, but passengers gave us lots of advice and even donated a few plants.

"We've got marigolds, petunias and all sorts of other types of flowers.

"We are now thinking up ideas for a winter garden."

Grandfather-of-four Mr Sheard, 62, said the pair used their breaks and lunch hours to work on the garden.

He said: "It's been good fun and I like to think we've helped make the station look a little better."

Staff at Newbury Park Underground station were also rewarded during the competition - picking up first prize for the quality of their hanging baskets.

For more information on Underground in Bloom, visit:http: tfl.gov.uk