Following Bath College’s success at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show, another group of hopeful floristry students took part in this year’s event, with Lora Stevens earning Bronze in the Young Florist of the Year competition.

Lora, 24, from Radstock, has been studying floristry for two years at Bath College and is due to be Level 3 qualified at the end of June.

She said: “I have two little girls, so it has been a challenge studying and competing at Chelsea, but I hope they are proud of my achievements. I have been supported by my amazing tutor, Joanne Mathews, who has taught me since I started on Level 2 and I carried out work experience at Rebecca’s Flower Shop in Radstock, where all of the lovely staff have all supported me throughout my training and the Chelsea Flower Show.

“The brief was to make a floral kite, with the theme of summer skies. I took my

inspiration from a jellyfish type of kite. I made the structure from wire and metal and wrapped in different coloured wool, which took hours, then decorated with flowers and foliage.

“I won a Bronze medal at Chelsea Flower Show, which I still can’t believe; some of the judges commented that it was innovative, looked like it could fly, had great movement and construction and was well made. I’m so happy to have found a passion in flowers and can’t wait to continue on my journey in floristry.”

Lora was joined at this year’s show by fellow Bath College students, Linda Sorenson and Sarah Hampton. Lora and Sarah were among sixteen florists from across the UK chosen for the final of the Young Florist of the Year competition.

Linda was one of two college students selected to compete for the title of Chelsea Florist of the Year, with most of the places for the final going to professional florists, she also came away with a Bronze.