A student studying a Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry at Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre has been placed first in the regional heats for the RHS Young Chelsea Florist of the Year 2015 competition.

Emily Hepworth, from Malmesbury in Wiltshire, competed alongside 20 other entrants on the day and gained the highest score for her floral cake design for an Asian themed wedding. The judges were looking for a high standard in design and technique as Chelsea showcases the very best in professional retail floristry each year. Emily wowed the judges and was placed first and will now go on to compete for the title at the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower show in May.

Jacqui Weaver, Programme Manager for Floristry at Bridgwater College, said,

“This is an amazing opportunity for Emily as this is one of the toughest competitions within the floristry industry and to appear at Chelsea is one of the highest accolades a Florist can achieve. As a College we encourage students to explore competition work as it enriches their practical employability skills and helps to build confidence. We are so proud of Emily and at 19 years old, the skills she will gain from this will transfer well into her already successful floristry business, Persephone Violet.”

Emily, from Malmesbury in Wiltshire said,

“My design developed and changed many times before I finished and perfected it to create something that encapsulated all my thoughts and ideas so well. I have gained a huge amount from this competition, meeting lots of like- minded people my own age which is always a bonus and also getting ideas to develop my business further. Overall I had an amazing day and I am really looking forward to competing in Chelsea this year!”