A FLORIST was blooming with delight after being awarded a silver medal at the world famous Chelsea Flower Show.

Sandra Snell, who won the prestigious prize in the Best Flower Arranging Design category, said she was thrilled.

She said her creation, which stands around 10ft-high and has a diameter of 4ft, took around three months to complete.

Mrs Snell, who is from Much Marcle, near Ledbury, said that once she has a stand built for her, the design process involves simply arranging the flowers.

"It is trial and error until you get the design you are happy with," said Mrs Snell, who runs The Flower House, in Ross-on-Wye.

"Some people like to draw a plan but I like to physically put it together."

Mrs Snell will not be resting on her laurels as she looks ahead to the next competition.

"There is a national competition in Harrogate in July. I started that design a few weeks ago.

I'm hopeful that I'll do well."