The woman who did more than most to change the Royal Horticultural Society's image from fusty to modern is to step down. Straight-talking, Sue Briggs played a key role in the decision to open the Society's fifth national garden in Greater Manchester.
Now she will officially retire as Director General of the RHS on June 14th at its annual general meeting at RHS Bridgewater in Worsley, which she helped to create. She has held the post for almost 12 years.
The garden has brought both kudos and tourists to Salford from across the country. But it has also fulfilled Sue's pledge that it would be an asset for the local community.
