A CROFT woman hopes to become a blooming success this weekend when she competes in the British leg of the European Young Florist of the Year competition.

Heather Ryder, aged 22, will travel to the ICC Arena in Birmingham on Sunday, bidding for the prestigious honour of representing Great Britain in the overall final in San Remo, Italy, this September.

Heather will be backed by a 20-strong following, who will see her present two ready-made floral presentations to the judges. She will then be expected to concoct a further two pieces on the competition day.

Heather said: "The theme of Sunday's event is the Italian embassy celebrating the Queen's golden jubilee, so I have based my designs around this with gold and black colours to the fore.

"I've been caught up in the excitement of the competition and think I've as good a chance as anyone."

Heather's experience includes a seven-month period in Paris, which opened her eyes to different floral techniques and preparations.

She said: "The French experience was fantastic as the designs are out of this world. They have a much more natural presentation with greater emphasis on the flowers rather than an abundance of packaging."

Heather is set to hit the high street on February 1 as she enters a three-way partnership to open Living Colour Floral Design in Stockton Heath.