RICHARD Clare created an award-winning buzz of excitement with a display which caught the eye of RHS judges.

Richard is a director at Clare and Illingworth opticians in Knutsford, which won the RHS best dressed window competition for shops in the town.

The contest was run by the RHS in conjunction with the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park, which attracts about 65,000 visitors.

The RHS show celebrated bees in its 20th show with its new Bee Hive Theatre, and retailers were encouraged to tie in with this theme to help spread the importance of bees and the important role they play in pollination.

Businesses were invited to produce a fun and creative floral display, and the success of the King Street opticians was its second in a row after winning last year and earning distinctions for the three previous years.

“We were really pleased to win, and the pressure is now on for next year!” said Richard.

“The inside garden theme was created by Sandy Quirk, who is an optical assistant here, who used plants from her garden and egg boxes to create a honeycomb effect for the bees.

“Outside Knutsford Bloom florists designed the troughs for us, and Sandy did the hanging baskets, which she prepares for the show.

“Lots of bees were attracted to the flowers, and we had numerous compliments from people who came to have a look at the display.

“It’s nice for the community and for the businesses to have the RHS show on our doorstep, and we always take part in the best dressed window competition.

“I would like to thank Sandy, who is a keen gardener, and Knutsford Bloom for their efforts and support, and for the nice comments from the public, with lots pf people taking pictures of the display.

“We worked really hard on the window display, and did our best to stick with the bee theme.”

Judging of the entries took place last Wednesday morning, with the winner being announced the following day, when they received their award and two tickets to visit the show on a public day of their choice.