A finals flourish for florist Janet

Mrs Boast, of Going Dutch Continental Florists, in Broadway, is one of 10 florists to reach the last stage of the competition at the RHS Flower Show in Tatton Park.

The build-up to the final has been ongoing for the past 18 months, but Mrs Boast will have to wait another month to find out whether her colourful display has clinched the top prize.

She will be given free range of what type and colour of flower she can use on the theme of Tatton Park.

Mrs Boast, 41, said: "During the past two years there have been six competitions across the North West and you get points from each one, which are added up to find the overall winner. I had got a first and some seconds and thirds, so I liked to think I was doing all right.

"I was hoping I was in with a chance, so I was delighted when I was told I had made it to the final.

"I have got through to the regional final before but that year there wasn't a national final. I'm not sure what the prize is, but to me the prize is the title and the recognition. I'd love to get it. It's a ambition of mine.

"It should be quite an experience."

Mrs Boast and her husband, Peter, have been preparing for the finals for about two months and her five pieces of floristry will be on display in Tatton Park throughout the show, which runs from July 17 to 21.

The couple have been in the floristry business for 15 years and have run Going Dutch in Nelson for the past ten years.

Joanne Hayward, spokesperson for Interflora, said: "The Interflora Florist of the Year competition is a major event for our florists. The winner not only receives acclaim as a top designer, but often goes on to achieve greater heights in the industry.

"The competition is a showcase both for a florist's design and skill. The resulting work is something which anyone at the RHS Show will enjoy. We are delighted to be able to combine our event with the flower show at Tatton Park."