GREEN-FINGERED Gary Grimes is hoping for a bit of Dutch courage when he starts his new job - in Holland!

For the 18-year-old from Shadsworth, Blackburn, has just started a 12-month placement at a garden centre near Amsterdam after successfully completing a two-year apprenticeship at Blackburn Council's Horticultural Centre.

And the youngster is hoping Europe's gardening gurus can teach him a few tricks.

He said: "I'm hoping to learn a lot from the Dutch because they're brilliant bulb growers.

I need help growing pot plants because all the sage in my bedroom window boxes keep dying.

"I'm a bit nervous because it's going to be a bit of a culture shock but I think it'll be a great experience."

The teenager is staying with a Dutch family in Aalsmeer and his expenses including travel and insurance, have been provided by the Prince's Trust.

And the Rovers' fan hopes to watch more than just his garden grow by calling in at the home of Ajax Amsterdam to see some other Dutch maestros in action.

"I can't wait to see Ajax," he added. "It'll be a bit different to watching Rovers every week."

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