The Old Railway Line Garden Centre has won two accolades at the national Garden Centre Association (GCA) Awards last week.

The family-run business, based in Three Cocks, between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye, won the awards at the ceremony held in Blackburn last Tuesday.

The independent garden centre won the ‘Environment & Community Award’ as well as ‘Centre of Excellence’ status.

Mark Cleary, founder of the Old Railway Line said: “To be recognised for our efforts in our community and to reduce our environmental impact is really special to us.

“Over the years we’ve made a big effort to reduce our impact on the planet including installing 210 solar panels, 40,000 litres of rainwater storage, re-using 100 per cent of our cardboard packaging, and many more initiatives. We are also passionate about reducing produce and plant miles, so source locally where possible.

“Our team are proactive in engaging with schools, community groups and local charities. As a rural business we rely on the support of our local community, and we enjoy giving back wherever we can.”

Liam Cleary, garden retail director added; “The ‘Centre of Excellence’ status is only rewarded to the top 10 Garden Centres in the UK, which is something we’ve achieved 3 times consecutively now. To maintain this level of standards is testament to the team and we are so proud of this achievement.

“We strive to deliver the very best shopping experience for our customers. The biggest reward for us is seeing them returning time and time again and enjoying every visit. I’m extremely proud of the team’s achievements at this years’ GCA awards and I’m looking forward to seeing how we keep growing from here.”

The GCA represents over 200 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

The awards are decided by the results of the annual inspections, which take place at all GCA garden centres. Garden centres have no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector.

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre was established in 1990 by founders, Mark and Christina Cleary. It provides customers with quality plants, gardening products, indoor and outdoor living goods, pet care products, giftware and furniture.

The garden centre is also home to a farm shop, stocking products from over 60 local and Welsh suppliers, and a 150-seater restaurant offering delicious home cooked food.

For more information please visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk/