IT WAS a blooming marvellous achievement for young Heddington florist Emily Smith when she won a place to compete in one of the world’s most famous flower shows.

The 17-year-old, who works for Devizes florists Ammi, in Maryport Street, is now hoping to come up smelling of roses when she takes part in the Chelsea Flower Show in late May.

She qualified in the Bath heat in late November with a score of 90 out of 100 and will be competing in the Young Chelsea Florist of the Year category against 16 rivals.

A delighted Emily, of Stockley Road, said: “I am really excited about the competition. I have never been there before so it should be quite good.

“I am not really that nervous I just cannot wait for it to happen and for the event to get underway.

“My parents have always been encouraging. For the event we are going to have to make a Brazilian carnival headdress.

“I have loads of ideas it is really just finding the right one. My mum is really excited and is going to be coming up with me on the day.

“I am not sure what mine will be, at the minute I am just going through some ideas before I choose."

To qualify for the Chelsea Flower Show Emily made a seaside bouquet during the heat and is currently in her final year of a floristry course at Bath College.

She will be given up until the day of the show to create her headdress but will then only have four hours to prepare it before judging.

Her mum Michelle Smith, 45, said: "It is unbelievable to achieve that at 17. She would never brag about her achievements. She would prefer to blend into the background but I am extremely proud of her.

"She is always busy preparing for the show, trying to do her job, do her assignments or her show jumping . She is constantly busy and does not have five minutes spare.

"I did not encourage her into floristry she decided to do that herself and she has just taken to it.

"It is completely her choice and she always wanted to keep the horses to just a hobby but her dream would really be to go up to London and be a florist there."