A PENARTH florist has been selected from hundreds of students to assist her college tutor at the Prestigious RHS Flower Show at Chelsea next week, May 21.

Toni Horne, who runs Lily Pad Flower School and Craft Room in Penarth, completed Level 3 City and Guild Floristry a few years ago and now studies during the evening for an advanced floristry qualification.

Her tutor Sharon Dower was so impressed with her standard of work she asked Toni to accompany her to London for three days to help her take part in the BFA Florist of the Year Final.

Toni, who was selected from hundreds of florists in South Wales to assist her college tutor, said: "I felt privileged and delighted to have been asked and can’t wait to help Sharon prepare for the show and spend three days visiting the amazing Flower Show in Chelsea."

Toni’s flower business was started almost a year ago and, as well as offering traditional floristry products, she offers a ‘Signature’ range of bespoke floral designs. During the evening and weekends Toni’s shop and workroom offers a variety of courses, workshops and one day classes ranging from Childrens Flower Arranging, Willow Weaving and beginners and advanced floristry sessions.

Toni has a range of tutors from all over Wales who design bespoke classes for a variety of skills, even providing sessions in Welsh. Later on in the year Toni will take part in a floristry competition with other advanced level florists from Neath and Port Talbot College. They will travel with Sharon Dower to RHS Tatton Park to compete in the ‘Floristry of the Year’ Competition.

Sharon added: "Toni is a competent florist with a host of original ideas, over the last year she has worked extremely hard to develop and promote her own business, securing contracts with many local businesses, providing exquisite bridal designs and unique floral gifts. She will be a huge asset to me during the show preparation putting all her knowledge and experience to good use."