LIFE is far from rosy for a shopkeeper judged Britain's top florist.

Instead of winning the plaudits of her local council, Kaye Allan has received a written caution for displaying a sign above the entrance to her shop, in the High Street, in Yarm, near Stockton, proclaiming her success at being named UK Flower Shop of the Year.

Mrs Allan, who trades as Diana Kaye, has been ordered by Stockton Borough Council to take down the "unauthorised advert" or face a possible fine of £2,500 each day the sign remains up.

Mrs Allan said: "I am just bewildered that they should react like this, rather than shouting about it.

"I did not realise the council had these powers, but would have thought it would have been the police.

"A lot of the florists had backing from their councils. One lady who entered the competition down south found the flags were literally being put out for her.

"There are eight of us in the shop and none of us has a police record.

"All I am trying to do is run a business. It is a temporary sign."

Mrs Allan beat more than 1,500 entries to win the award, made by the Flower Council of Holland.

Stockton council's reaction could mean she will think twice about defending her national first place. She said: "It makes you question whether it is worth it."

Mrs Allan has been told by the council that her shop is a listed building and had she applied for planning approval to erect the 11ft by 20in sign, it would not have been approved.

The council said Yarm Town Council received similar instructions to remove a banner advertising Yarm Gala on June 22 from the wall of a 1710-built, listed building.

The large town hall banner, larger than the florist's board, was removed only after the weekend gala.

Mrs Allan is having her sign taken down today.

A spokesman for Stockton council said: "Firstly we congratulate Diana Kaye on winning her prestigious award and we are all proud of the successful and flourishing businesses in Yarm and across the borough.

"We have received a number of formal complaints about the number of banners being erected on buildings and structures in the borough and as a local authority have a statutory duty to enforce the regulations.

"We in no way wish to quell the efforts of businesses and individuals and appreciate all the wonderful events and commercial activities Yarm has to offer, and we work with businesses to help them further improve their economic development.

"We have been in contact with a number of businesses and organisations regarding the issue of unauthorised banners and have taken a fair and consistent approach with them all.

"We thank Diana Kaye for her co-operation, along with others we have contacted."