A BUDE florist was thrilled when she almost achieved full marks for her Chelsea show qualifying design.

Erica Tippett of Bleujen Florist has recently completed her design for the South West heat of this year's Chelsea Flower Show.

Keeping in line with the Olympics, entrants had to design and construct an arrangement for the centre of a table at a formal dinner for UK competitors at the Olympic Games.

The criteria which had to be fulfilled stated: fresh flowers/foliage and plant material must predominate and judges will be looking for a high standard of technical skill and design.

On completing her piece, Erica received the highest marks in the category.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.