Kilkenny Florist is Blooming Brilliant

A florist from Kilkenny has proved he is blooming brilliant after winning the Irish heats of a national competition. Vinny Yeates of Flowers by Lucy took part in the Interflora Florist of the Year regional heats in Dublin last month.

He fended off strong competition from around the country and impressed the judges with his originality and innovation, winning two of the three schedules with a stunning bridal design and floral tree. Talking about the event Vinny said: "I was really pleased with my floral tree design, which I created using liquid rubber and decorated with floral material including white orchids and hypericum berries." Vinny, who has been creating and delivering Interflora flowers in Ireland for more than a decade, will now join other top florists from across the UK to fight for the coveted title at the grand final at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park next year.

Talking about reaching the final stage of the competition Vinny said: "Getting through the heats was really challenging but now I am very excited to be competing at Tatton Park next year. I hope I do myself and Ireland proud."