Floristry student from Taunton in the running for Chelsea Flower Show

A Taunton Floristry student has come second in the regional heats for the Chelsea Flower Show, giving her a shot at competing in the national event.

Madelein Ralls, 28 from Taunton, studies Floristry at Bridgwater College's Yeovil centre and recently travelled to Portsmouth for the South of England regional heat where she designed a bridal bouquet for an award winning garden designer.

She now has to wait until all the heats are completed to see if she will be invited to the Chelsea Flower Show in May, which will qualify her for the RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year competition.

Jacqui Weaver, Madeleine's Floristry tutor, said: "Madeleine is an inspiration to all of her friends on the Level 2 Floristry Diploma.

"It has been an honour to watch her progress on the competition circuit and witness the exciting experiences along the way.

She added: "Madeleine's journey has taken her all over the UK competing against the very best of the new talent in the floristry industry."

Last year Madeleine made it through to the WorldSkillsUK finals in Birmingham where she received a bronze medal for her entry which included making a bridal headdress and a door wreath.

For information about studying Floristry, an Open Evening at the Yeovil Centre is taking place on 6 March from 5.30-7.30pm.

Alternatively contact Bridgwater College's Course Enquiries team on 01278 441234 or visit www.bridgwater.ac.uk.