A FLORISTRY student from Chagford is gearing up for one of the most prestigious events in the floristry calendar after winning the South West heat of the Chelsea Junior Florist of the Year.

Alice Herrington, 24, has been selected to go through to finals at the Chelsea Flower Show to be held in May 2019.

The Level 4 Higher Level Diploma student at Bicton College said coming first in the South West heat of the young Florist of the Year Chelsea was ‘absolutely amazing’.

‘It was a very inspirational day and it was great to meet other like-minded local florists with the same common interests,’ she said.

During the day-long heat, competitors had to design and create a wired posy for a bridesmaid. Alice said she ‘just couldn’t believe’ the good news that she’d won came through.

‘You never think you will be a part of such a famous event and competition, I still think I’m dreaming,’ she said.

She said she wanted to say ‘a big thank you’ to her teacher Denise Cross, who supported and encouraged her throughout the competition.

Alice is unable to share her winning design until after the finals in May, but is pictured, right, with another of her creations.