A grandmother from Sherborne will be celebrating Christmas with a stunning six-foot tree after winning The West Dorset Magazine’s competition in association with Groves Nurseries.

Lucky Daphne Langdon, who was born on Christmas Eve, was delighted to hear she had found the eight reindeer hidden in the pages of our November edition.
And as such would soon be collecting the magnificent Noma Buckingham Pine artificial Christmas Tree worth £187 donated by Groves Nurseries and Garden Centre.
Daphne said: “I don’t usually pick up the phone to unrecognised numbers, but I thought it was the doctor ringing, so imagine my delight when it was Karen from The West Dorset Magazine with news of my win.

“I do enter a few competitions, but this is the first time I have won anything, so I am thrilled.
“I really wasn’t sure what the tree was that I had won and was thinking it was quite expensive for a real tree, so when I looked on Groves’ website, I was even happier to learn it is an artificial tree with real pinecones. It looks so realistic, and we can use it every year. I am so pleased.”

Daphne added: “I will be 67 years old on Christmas Eve. We didn’t really have a party or anything when I was growing up because we would all be preparing the vegetables ahead of Christmas Day!”
Groves managing director Charlie Groves said: “It’s been good fun to run this competition and it has been really nice to be able to spread some Christmas cheer.”

When it comes to Christmas, the award-winning Groves Nurseries and Garden Centre is a feast for the senses in the month leading up to the big day.
From trees and decorations to sparkling light displays and the Groves Festive Mini Market featuring local artisan makers and traders at its Ivy House Kitchen, this gorgeous garden centre has Christmas wrapped up.
The Mini Market opens Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10am to 4pm, Thursday 10am to 3pm, Friday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm.