A COLOURFUL spray of East Kent flower power is set to soothe Sir Elton John when he performs in the county this weekend.

Flowers at Ninety Seven, in Wingham, has won a prestigious order to provide eye-catching floral arrangements for the superstar's dressing room, hospitality areas and VIP marquee at the Hop Farm Country Park for Sunday's gig.

The deal is a coup for the small but growing florist that combines top-notch floral decorations for celebrities, weddings, businesses and individuals, with antiques at its 17th century High Street headquarters.

Last year, it supplied floral arrangements for Tiger Woods during the British Open Golf tournament in Sandwich.

When company founders Robert and Pam McAllister heard that Sir Elton was coming to the county, they asked their new marketing officer Melanie Vargas-Putzki to find out more.

Robert, a fan of the singer for many years, was aware of his passion for flowers and was keen to promote his company's credentials.

Melanie's persistence paid off when she tracked down close associates of Sir Elton who knew he wanted the best floral arrangements that money can buy and entrusted Flowers at Ninety Seven to provide them.

Mr McAllister said: "He has exquisite taste and passion for flowers. I've always been a fan since I first saw him on television many years ago. When I saw he was coming to the Hop Farm, I said to Melanie - we've got to do his flowers."

Sharon Merryweather is designing the floral displays that will include lots of yellow roses, the star's favourite flower.

Melanie said: "I want him to be surprised and amazed by what we do. That's what we cherish about our vision."

"As long as it's big and beautiful, he will love it," added Mr McAllister, who confesses that his favourite Elton album is Mad Man Across the Water and favourite song is Tiny Dancer.

Staff hope that a testimonial from Sir Elton will open up many more business opportunities for a concern that already undertakes regular floral work for Pfizer, the largest employer in East Kent.

"It's an extremely big job for us but it doesn't faze us," said Mr McAllister. "We've got to get down to the basics and do the very best for the best. We've got to be completely over the top."

The McAllisters bought the business in 2001 and have ambitions to open other outlets. "As a business, I would like to become a household name," Mr McAllister said. "If anybody anywhere south of London want's something special, I want us to be top of their list."