Posing in a pair of denim shorts and workman's boots, gardener John Hurrell looks every bit a model.

The 38-year-old, who works at Claremont Landscape Garden, is becoming a housewife's favourite after appearing in the our sister paper the Walton and Weybridge Guardian a fortnight ago.

He made the earth move for some readers who have suggested he would not look out of place on a calendar.

Mother-of-three Lynn Campbell, from Weybridge, thinks he is blooming lovely and wasted no time in contacting reporter Cara Lovell after spotting the tanned horticulturist proudly promoting a newly restored area of Claremont on page two of the newspaper.

Lynn said: "Maybe John should consider posing for a calendar to raise funds for Claremont. I would buy a calendar featuring him, even though I'm probably old enough to be his mother!"

John, who is fast becoming known as Mr August, has worked at the National Trust garden for 14 years.

But despite his newly-found fame, and much teasing from colleagues, he is keeping his feet firmly on the soil.

He said: "When my picture appeared in the paper I had no idea any readers would get in touch about it.

"I'm very flattered, but slightly embarrassed by the suggestion that I could be a good subject for a calendar.

"Heading the small garden team as senior gardener at Claremont, we are too busy caring for the 49-acre landscape garden for me to take off for the bright studio lights of the modelling world!"

For a chance to spot John, or just for a good day out, Claremont Landscape Garden is open every day from 10am to 6pm. Admission is £5 for adults and £2.50 for children over five.

For more information about the garden and its events call 01372 467806 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont.