AN OSWALDTWISTLE florist has scooped the People’s Choice Award at the RHS Tatton Park Flower show.

Rachel McClure 36, owner of Garlands Florist, Union Road Oswaldtwistle, competed in this year’s Teleflorist Designer Championships after qualifying for this contest at the 2008 Tatton Show.

The theme for the competition was the English composer George Frideric Handel who died 250 years ago this year.

Rachel and the other competitors were asked to design four pieces, the first of which was a wedding bouquet for a royal wedding as Handel’s The Queen of Sheba is associated with weddings.

She said: "My design was very opulent and full of jewels because it was for a royal wedding."

The florists also designed displays inspired by Handel’s Water Music and one to be used as a memorial to the composer.

Rachel’s bridal bouquet caught the attention of many of the show's visitors who chose her as their favourite florist.

"It was quite a long day, over seven hours standing up at our tables, demonstrating to the public, who watched with interest, although after a while you became oblivious to them.

"I will most likely be there again next year as I find the experience, and challenges exciting.

"Also meeting and working alongside like-minded florists from throughout the country, all dedicated to going that extra mile to provide high standards of design and floristry for our local clients without whom we wouldn’t exist."