A colourful floral interpretation of a Rio carnival float won Leeds Castle’s florist a prize at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

It was the first time Louise Roots had entered the prestigious competition, run by the Royal Horticultural Society, in which she received a gold award.

She said: “I am overwhelmed to win an award on my first attempt at exhibiting at a flower show.

“My ambition for this year was to get on the competition circuit so to be awarded gold is an unexpected honour.”

The 360 degree design represents the bold colours, music and costumes from the Rio Carnival, using tall purple delphiniums to resemble extravagant plumes from carnival costumes.

It also features gold dragons created by Leeds Castle’s carpenter Colin Swain.
The award winning design is now on display at the Hampton Court Palace until Sunda

Leeds Castle’s chief executive Sir David Steel added: "This is such wonderful news and a testament to Louise’s skill and dedication.

"Helped by Colin Swain, our carpenter and her colleagues in the Floristry Department, this has been the first time Louise has exhibited at a RHS Flower Show and I am thrilled. Huge congratulations.”