A COLLEGE has been nominated for two national awards for its floristry courses.

East Durham College, which offers the courses at its Houghall campus in Durham, has been nominated as floristry provider of the year in the awards, run by the British Floral Association (BFA).

And tutor Rebecca Hough, who this year won the title of Chelsea florist of the year at the Chelsea Flower Show, was nominated as floristry tutor of the year.

Floristry lecturer Sue Lee said: “We are ecstatic to be nominated for the awards by the BFA.

“We really have had an amazing year in the floristry department – all our staff and students have worked very hard, and to receive not one, but two nominations from a prestigious floral institution like the BFA is the perfect end to the year.”

Students have attended competitions including NECTA, where they won three gold, three silver and three bronze medals, and the Harrogate Show, where their Mrs Browns’ Boys display won a silver medal.

Members of the public can choose the winners by voting for their favourite nominations by visiting www.bfaflorist.org.