Rachel Lathan, Amanda Hobday, Sarah Moon and Levi O’Reilly, all second year floristry students at Moreton Morrell College, won the FleurEx 2019 student competition open to student florists who are studying at an accredited college.

The British Florist Association (BFA) organises the annual event which attracts hundreds of florists, floristry students and suppliers. This year it was held at Hinckley in Leicestershire.

Rachel, from Badsey, and her fellow students are studying part time for a City and Guilds qualification at Moreton Morrell College. This is part of the Warwickshire College Group (WCG), which also has colleges in Pershore, Evesham and Malvern Hills.

The floristry courses attract students who wish to pursue a career as a retail florist, to start their own business or become a floral designer. There are over eighty floristry students studying at Moreton Morrell college in both part time and full time courses.

Moreton Morrell Floristry tutor Jane Benefield, a Master Florist and former Tutor of the Year, mentored her students and was delighted with their wining entry.

"The theme was ‘Seasons of mists and mellow fruit fullness’ – or autumn to you and me", said Jane. The centrepiece of Moreton Morrell’s entry was a floral dress, the skirt was made from pampas grass while the bodice consisted of dried and fresh flowers.

Rachel, Floral Art Manager at BHGS Ltd on Vale Park, Evesham, said: "The team worked long and hard to produce the winning entry and we are extremely grateful for Jane’s support and encouragement."