ANYONE hoping to grow their skillset - as well as a few plants - can take advantage of a rare opportunity which has arisen in Peeblesshire.

The Work and Retrain As a Gardener Scheme provides men and women of all ages with the chance to work with supervision part-time for a year in a carefully sourced garden.

And the trainee will be paid for the two days of work/training each week in line with the National Living Wage.

A spokeswoman for Women’s Farm & Garden Association told us: "The trainee would be monitored and assessed by the regional manager through monthly reports and two visits over the year and at the end of the training would have a recognized certificate.

"The scheme is offered by the Women’s Farm & Garden Association, which was established in 1899 and set up the first Women’s Land Army in 1912.

"It’s a win-win situation as garden owners benefit from the help they receive from enthusiastic and committed trainees who in turn gain practical experience to go on to various careers in horticulture."

An opportunity for a trainee post has come up in Peebles over the past few weeks.

The rural garden includes woodland, ponds, herbaceous borders and fruit and vegetable growing

On acceptance of a placement the trainee is required to pay Women’s Farm & Garden Association an administration fee of £600 to cover the continuous monitoring of the training by the regional manager and the certification.

To apply for the position or for further details contact WFGA on 01285 841 486 or susanna.wfga@gmail.com