A GARDENING festival with a twist is coming to Colchester next year.

“Skinny Jean Gardener” Lee Connelly teamed up with brother Dale in 2013 and the pair are on a mission to make gardening cool.

Lee, who has toured the country with his family- focussed shows, is planning a food and gardening festival next year.

He said: “It’s really exciting, it will be for families and people interested in food and drink.

“It’s about bringing local talent together, there’s lots of food and drink festivals but a gardening festival is a missed opportunity.

“I wanted to bring the gardening to the forefront.”

It is hoped the festival will take place in September 2018 and will include food, drink and a children’s area.