EAST Durham College have been celebrating the return of floristry lecturer Rebecca Hough after she beat the country’s best floral talents to be crowned RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year.
Ms Hough, 29, of Peterlee, also won a gold medal at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London. Having previously qualified to compete at the show after winning a place at the regional heats, she travelled down to London alongside college floristry students Allan Raby, 50, of Thornaby and Vicki Abbott, 26, of Hartlepool, who also qualified at the regional heats.
The lecturer’s throne was made of driftwood, which she collected personally from local beaches and was adorned with over 1,200 stems of flowers and plants.
Ms Hough said: “To be honest, winning had never crossed my mind. I’ve watched that competition for years now, and the standard was always so high, I never imagined I’d be able to claim the top prize.
"I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet.”
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