Sir Gary Verity to help put Bradford Garden Centre back on the map

The new owners of a Bradford garden centre are planning a series of events to celebrate its relaunch.

Since Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson acquired Tong Garden Centre in May, they have embarked on an ambitious programme of refurbishments and new additions to bring the once iconic Tong Lane centre back to its former glory.

The ‘Tong is Back!' themed celebrations start with a Family Fun Day featuring the Heart FM Angels on 22^ndAugust and include children's activities, gardening demonstrations and launch offers before culminating with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be conducted by Welcome to Yorkshire Chief Executive, Sir Gary Verity, on 5^thSeptember.

Mr. Farnsworth said: "It's been a very busy three months, but we're very proud of the work that we have done to put Tong back on the map and into the heart of the local community. We've been very encouraged by the positive feedback from both existing and new customers and we're looking forward to sharing our new and improved facilities with Sir Gary."

During the visit, Sir Gary will plant up some Yorkshire bedding, tour the new Grass Hoppers Adventure Playground and visit the refurbished Orchard Restaurant before enjoying a cup of Yorkshire tea in the new Coffee Shop.

Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire said: "Welcome to Yorkshire is delighted to support Tong Garden Centre's relaunch. As the largest independent garden centre in Yorkshire it's not only incredibly important for increasing tourism in the local community of Bradford but also for the county. Tong Garden Centre offers a great day out for people from far and wide and Welcome to Yorkshire looks forward to supporting the business' growth."

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 17 acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 1,000 cars.

Ends

Photo:The new coffee shop where Sir Gary will stop for a drink

For more information or to arrange an interview with Mark Farnsworth please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on;

Direct line: 01430 871360

Mobile: 07971 961574

E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk

Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. Tong Garden Centre had been in the same family for over 30 years before its acquisition in May, 2015.  It burnt down around 15 years ago and had a major rebuild into the current format.

2. For more information, please visithttp://www.tonggardencentre.co.uk(website currently under construction).

3. Welcome to Yorkshire Information

• Welcome to Yorkshireis the official destination management organisation for Yorkshire, working to grow the county's visitor economy.

• Welcome to Yorkshireis a not-for-profit membership organisation, funded in part by grants, sponsorship and Welcome to Yorkshire members. All money raised is reinvested directly back into promoting Yorkshire.

• Key facts include:

  • Tourism in Yorkshire is worth £7 billion annually

  • The county's industry employs almost a quarter of a million people

For more news and a free image bankhttp://www.yorkshire.com/mediacentre

For further information or to arrange interviews with Sir Gary Verity at the opening of Tong Garden Centre please contact:

Marie Christopher - Senior Press Officer

Email:mchristopher@yorkshire.com

Direct Line: 0113 322 3537

Mobile: 07557 157 034

Tom Swain - Press Officer

Email:tswain@yorkshire.com

Direct Line: 0113 322 3566

Mobile: 07500 927283