An East Lancashire plumber, who helps the poor and vulnerable, is to have his back garden transformed for an ITV gardening show.

James Anderson the founder of Burnley charity Depher CIC, which provides free or heavily subsidised emergency plumbing and heating services to vulnerable older and disabled, is set to appear on Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Garden on Tuesday (April 4)

James said he was given this opportunity after being nominated by the public.

He said: “I got a phone call from a lady who wanted to interview me at my home about Depher.

“We arranged a date to meet up and the lady turned up. Shortly after she arrived there was a knock at the door and Alan Titchmarsh was standing there with a big smile on his face and a camera crew.

“I just couldn’t believe it.

“We had a chat and he had a cup of tea with us. We had a chat about what we do at Depher.”

Camera crews, landscapers and gardeners descended on his Burnley home last May and James said he couldn’t believe the transformation.

He said: “Before they turned up I tidied up the garden as best I could as I was ashamed of it.

“What we saw when we opened our eyes at the big reveal was magical.

“It is absolutely beautiful and I couldn’t ask for anything more.

“So much work has gone into the garden and I smile so much when I look out of the window now.

“I have always loved gardening and landscaping and always tried my best with it, but I am not Alan Titchmarsh and can’t do what he does.

“It was a dream come true and I can’t wait for everyone to see the garden when the episode airs.”

James said he “cried for weeks” after his garden was revamped as he was overwhelmed as the love and support shown to him by the public.

He said: “Apparently I had thousands of people across the UK nominate me.

“It’s so humbling as I don’t think twice about the rewards I get for my work. My only concern is how many people I can feed or help.

“I don’t want anything in return for what I do. I cried for a week afterwards as I felt so loved and I just didn’t expect it.

“To be nominated for something like this is so overwhelming.”

You can watch Love Your Garden on ITV at 8pm, on April 4.