A FLORIST from Penarth has designed floral tributes for a large traveller funeral held recently.

Toni Horne, of The Lilypad Florist, was called upon last week to lend her expertise to the funeral of Ruby Marshal in Merthyr Tydfil.

She specialises in large scale floral design and was contacted to create several "unusual" tributes for the funeral of the woman known affectionately as "Queen of the Gypsies".

Ms Horne and her team, based on Glebe Street, worked on a number of 3D floral creations for the displays, which were said to have temporarily stopped traffic in Merthyr town centre.

They included three traditional caravans with horses, a basket of six puppies, a chicken sandwich meal and a giant pack of Walkers crisps - some of Mrs Marshall’s favourite things.

The spend on floral decorations for the funeral was said to have topped £16,000.

Fresh from decorating the entrance of the RHS show in Cardiff recently, Ms Horne said: "No two days are the same at The Lilypad and I love the challenges that emerge.

"This request was certainly challenging but a great experience.

"Needless to say we were surprised but thrilled to see our work featured in the national media.

"We are now awaiting our next challenge with interest."