The theme for the 2009 show was "Holidays" and Nick’s display proved a popular feature with the thousands of visitors to the show.

The Barnsdale stand contained a village sign bearing Rutland's motto Multum in Parva amid a riot of colourful cottage-garden plants and a model of Rutland Water, featuring local attractions and places to stay.

Nick said friends helped out with the display by providing props, a fishing rod was lent by Rod Waddington of Rutland Fly-Fishing Adventures and a Barnsdale Lodge restaurant set complete with gleaming tableware and champagne on ice represented the many fine dining venues the county has to offer.

The finishing touches were provided by two of Barnsdale's trademark home-made obelisks, complete with lavatory ballcocks!

Nick said: "It certainly generated a lot of interest. Many people don’t know where Rutland actually is, so it was really nice to be able to put it on the map."