A RHUDDLAN high street business has won its first of two awards in National competition after being open for just 11 months.

Despite only opening last June, Pete Fletcher and Ed Furber of Blooming Gorgeous Floristry have been named Best Retail Florist in Wales at the second Welsh Independent Retail Awards in Cardiff.

Ed said; "Just to be nominated as a finalist was a shock to us both but then to go on and win it blew us both away and made our eyes itch.

"Since deciding to open our shop on June 15 2018 after trading from the garage at home , we have been amazed at what we have achieved in such a short time period - to win the award of 'florist of the Year' makes all the hard work, effort and sleepless nights worth it. "

Initially, Ed - who is a trained retail florist - held down the fort while his partner Pete completed 21 years in the armed forces and traded bullets for blooms last October.

The pair now work alongside one another and will now go on to compete for their second award as the only Welsh finalist for Best Wedding Florist' at the National Wedding Awards in Leicester on June 26.

Ed added; "Rhuddlan is an amazing town with lots of Independent shops and businesses, the Rhuddlan community is very friendly and supportive also, these factors are what is helping Rhuddlan to thrive and be noticed nationally.

"Fingers crossed we scoop the wedding award too, this is a public vote so would be great to get the backing of the local area as we are the only nominated florist in Wales."

One supporter of the gents' hard work is vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones, who stopped by to congratulate them on their success.

Rhyl Journal:

Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones congratulates Ed Furber and Pete Fletcher

Mrs Jones said: "It was great to meet Ed and Pete from Blooming Gorgeous Floristry and congratulate them on their award for Best Florist in Wales in the Independent Welsh Retailers awards. They really are excellent florists and the award is much deserved.

"They have only had their shop in Rhuddlan running for fourteen months, and this award is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Well done Ed and Pete”

To vote for Ed and Pete at the upcoming National Wedding Awards, visit natweddingawards.co.uk/nominate/vote.