A SNOWDROP collector is delighted to have won a competition naming a new variety of his much-loved flower.

The white and green snowdrop was discovered in Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield, and will now be named Market Cross.

More than 120 people from across the country put forward names for the flower, but 67-year-old John Glover’s contribution was picked as the favourite.

Mr Glover, who is a photographer from Sussex with 45 varieties of snowdrops in his collection, said: “It’s wonderful to have won and to have a plant named after you, as well as a great honour.

“I am a real snowdrop enthusiast and this will be my 46th snowdrop in my collection. I shall treasure my new Market Cross species as a memento of this occasion.”

He was rewarded with the first specimen of the new plant, which went on sale at Myddelton House Gardens on Saturday for the first time. It cost £80 a plant and sold out in minutes.

The plant, which was found in 2008, is the latest snowdrop discovery in the gardens. It has been patiently propagated for the last nine years to ensure it is ready for commercial sale.

Head gardener at Myddelton House Gardens, James Hall, said: “It was a tough decision, but finally Market Cross was the winner!

“It was appropriate because, as well as the flower petal arrangement of the new plant relating to a cross, this entry has a connection to the gardens and we are currently in the process of restoring the rose garden which has the old Enfield market cross as its centrepiece.”