Two florists from Launceston based flower business Flower Scene have been selected to test their considerable talents against the very best in the business. Charlotte Le Marquand has earned the opportunity to compete for the title of British Young Florist of the Year at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show at the end of May.

Charlotte qualifies for the finals of this competition by way of achieving the joint second highest overall score in the national heats. This in itself is no mean feat for the 21-year-old florist, who is no stranger to success in national competition.

In 2009, Charlotte claimed the title in the Intermediate Floral Art section at the National Young Farmers autumn show in Malvern. Charlotte joins Flower Scene colleague Alison Penno who is part of a team representing the Devon and Cornwall Area of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies, who will be displaying their work in the Grand Pavilion at the show. Charlotte and Alison take 26 years of experience — 3 and 23 respectively — to Chelsea. Commenting on the girls' opportunity, Flower Scene proprietor Pat Penno said: "It's going to be hard work covering for these girls when they go off to Chelsea but it is such a fantastic opportunity for them both, that I could not stand in their way. The remaining staff will just have to roll their sleeves up, look after our valued customers and wish the girls well!"