A FUNKY florist from Burscough is blooming after scooping first prize at Southport Flower Show.

Laurie Spencer, of Flower Style by Laurie, beat seven other entries in the category to produce a five-piece wed-ding arrangement.

His work included atable centre, bride and bridesmaid bouquets, a corsage and a church spray.

Laurie has been working in floristry for almost 20 years.

He said: “I’ve always had a genuine interest in flowers and gardening, even as a child.

“I love doing weddings because there arenever twothe same and youonly have one chance to getit right. Everyone comments about the flowers at a wedding and it’s like you’re putting the finishing touches to someone’s day.

“I thought I had areasonablechance of winning, butI saw some of the other displays and therewas some really good work. Thething is that you never know what the judges are looking for, but obviously they liked the work I’d done.”

Last year one of his team, Jayne Marsh won the title, but this is the first time that Laurie has entered the show because he’s always so busy.

“We’ll have done about 60 or 70 weddings before the year is out.

“This prizeis recognition for what I’m able to do and the quality of work and designs my team can produce. I’m made up – Jayne and I will probably enter again next year, we’regoing to try and keep the title in Burscough.”