Oxfordshire rose grower Robert Mattock has died, aged 75.

Robert Mattock, who has died aged 75

Mr Mattock, owner of The Rose Nurseries in Lodge Hill, Abingdon, was well known for his work in producing new rose varieties.

He took over from his father John and spent more than 50 years as a plantsman, creating many rose shrub strains that attracted attention from around the world.

His work at exhibitions such as the Chelsea Flower Show won him several awards, including the Royal Horticultural Society's Williams Memorial Medal and the City of Belfast International Rose Trials Memorial Medal.

Mr Mattock was particularly well known in Abingdon, where he lived with his wife Christine for 45 years.

He served as a magistrate in the town for 25 years and was leader of the Catholic Scouts group for 10 years.

He has an Abingdon street, Mattock Way, named after him, and several side streets have been given the names of his new rose varieties, such as Summerfields and Rainbow.

Mr Mattock grew up in Littlemore, Oxford. He attended the Catholic convent school in Cowley and Southfield School, Oxford, but his further education was interrupted by the Second World War.

Poor eyesight stopped him becoming a pilot and he served in reserved occupation, producing vegetables.

Mr Mattock leaves his wife of 51 years and four children.