Kilkenny Florist is Blooming Best

A Kilkenny florist will represent Ireland in a prestigious national floristry competition. Vinny Yeates, who has been creating and delivering Interflora flowers in Ireland from his family's florist shop on the Kilkenny High Street for more than a decade, beat off tough competition at the Interflora Florist of the Year 2013 regional heats in Dublin.

During the competition Vinny had to create a naturally-inspired bridal design, a small floral tree and a surprise item- a wedding table centrepiece- which was briefed on the day. Vinny was able to complete one of the items, the bridal design, in advance of the competition but had to construct the other two designs within a set time limit, under the judges' eyes. Two of Vinny's designs scored the highest marks from the panel of Judges, which included members of the UK Floristry Judges Guild.

He will now go on to compete against seven other top florists from across the UK at the grand final which will be held at The RHS Flower Show Tatton Park next summer. Talking about his experience Vinny said: 'I was really pleased with my floral tree design. It looked incredibly lifelike and I think this is what impressed the judges.

I'm now looking forward to the new challenge next summer and hope to do myself and Ireland proud.'