A COMPANY that specialises in weddings has been named florist of the year by Yorkshire Brides for the second year in succession.

The Hart Company, which florist Susie Hart formed with her brother-in-law, hair and make-up stylist David Watkins, won the accolade at the Wedding Industry Awards, organised by the wedding show.

The company beat competition from wedding suppliers from as far away as Leeds, Doncaster, and Sheffield to be presented with the award at a black-tie dinner held on the Great Yorkshire Showground.

The Darlington company was set up by the pair, who each have 17 years' experience in their industries, after the birth of Mrs Hart's son, Harry, last year.

The success of the business over the past year has resulted in Mrs Hart employing another florist and hiring three others for big events.

Mr Watkins is actress Amanda Redman's personal hair and beauty assistant.

He and Mrs Hart also have experience working on West End shows, with MTV, ITV and at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Mrs Hart said: "The bouquet was made of vintage illusion roses, trailing amaranthus, hydrangea heads, ivy and pearls. It was made into a hand-tied design, but followed the company's style of quintessentially English, with a quirky twist.

"I was absolutely thrilled to be awarded the title again, and it is a real boost for the style of floristry that the company does."