TV weatherman Sean Batty proved a horticultural hero after completing a charity gardening challenge in Gourock.

The friendly forecaster was cheered on as he potted flowers in 10 plant tubs in just 20 minutes at Cardwell Garden Centre.

His ‘flower power’ raised £600 for the STV Children’s Appeal, which included £300 from kind-hearted customers matched by a £300 donation from the garden centre.

Sean said: “Being a keen gardener myself I was really looking forward to this planting challenge.

“I learned a few tricks of the trade from the staff at Cardwell beforehand on how to quickly pot the plant tubs, so I was well prepared to win the challenge.

“And the support from the people who came along to watch me was fantastic.

“I’d like to thank Cardwell Garden Centre for their help in organising this fundraising event and for their generous donation to the appeal.”

Ronni McAllister, from Greenock, was thrilled when Sean potted and signed a purple plant tub full of flowers for her as a special tribute to pop icon Prince who passed away last week.

She said: “I love Prince and I was distraught when he died. 

“But I also adore Sean and it was fantastic to meet him and that he agreed to pot a purple plant tub for me and sign it.

“I’m really going to look after the flowers in the plant tub and put it in my garden where I can see it from my kitchen window.”

Paul Carmichael, the centre’s retail manager, said it was a ‘blooming brilliant’ day.

He added: “Sean showed he’s got green fingers and did a great job potting the plant tubs.

“In fact, if there’s ever a break in the weather and he wants a job at Cardwell, he’ll be most welcome!”

In its first five years, the STV Children’s Appeal has raised £11 million with help being given to 476 good causes throughout Scotland, providing much needed support to over 59,000 children.

This year, weatherman Sean is taking on four 26-mile Kiltwalks across Scotland, the Edinburgh 10-mile Great Run, and the Pedal For Scotland 55 mile cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh, as well as visiting various communities raising money for the appeal.