THE FUNERAL of inspirational 'gardening guru' Joe Maiden has been held in Huby.

The 73-year-old, who imparted horticultural wisdom for more than four decades with BBC Radio Leeds, died on September 17 following a battle with prostate cancer.

His private funeral took place in Huby, where he had lived for many years and ran a horticultural business, yesterday, Thursday, September 24.

Originally hailing from Penrith in Cumbria, Mr Maiden named Wharfedale as his "favourite place" in Yorkshire on his BBC profile.

BBC Radio Leeds' managing editor Rozina Breen said her colleague would be sorely missed.

She said he had been "a gentleman in every sense of the word" who had been a privilege to work with, and praised his "enthusiasm, energy, generosity and kindness; not to mention his stellar knowledge of horticulture".

Mr Maiden was awarded the Harlow Carr medal by The Royal Horticultural Society for his growing, lecturing and exhibitions of vegetables.

Leeds City Council's Otley-based leader, Councillor Judith Blake, was among the thousands of people who expressed their sadness following the news of his death.

She described him as: "An inspiration to us all."

A National Vegetable Society judge and fellow, and committee member of the Leeds Horticultural Society, Mr Maiden also wrote for magazines and books, and filmed for TV.

He regularly gave talks to groups in Wharfedale and Aireborough, and in Bramhope supervised the laying of the Bowls Club's green at the Robert Craven Hall.

BBC Radio Leeds has opened a book of condolence for him, and a public memorial service is being planned.