A PENARTH florist has proven she has the seeds to success after scooping a silver medal at the final of the Chelsea Florist of the Year awards.

Toni Horne, of Lily Pad Florist and Craft Centre in Penarth, assisted her college lecturer Sharon Dower in the prestigious competition.

Toni travelled to London last Wednesday, May 28, to assist florist and lecturer Sharon Dower in the final of the BFA Chelsea Florist of the Year. Success came in the form of a silver medal with an exquisite dress made of flowers and foliages imported from Holland.

Sharon and Toni had only three hours to place the masterpiece on the mannequin in the main Floral Pavilion at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.

Three intense hours were spent adding the finishing touches to the design.

"Toni was amazing throughout the evening, working quickly and efficiently to ensure the dress was completed on time," said Sharon.

"Conditions on the show ground were really horrendous with torrential rain and thunder, but Toni stayed focused and positive all night and did a fantastic job.”

Eventually, after an intense wait during Thursday morning for three judges to mark and assess the work, the results were announced awarding Sharon with a Silver Medal.

Toni said: “The whole experience was amazing. Being at the Chelsea Flower Show is a highlight of the year and taking part behind the scenes has been a dream come true."