A FLORIST who trained under one of the primary suppliers of blooms to the Queen has opened a store in the region.

Stephanie Smith, who trained in London under Judith Blacklock, one of the main suppliers of flowers to the royal households, has opened Stephanie’s Flowers, in Durham City.

The outlet at The Gates Shopping Centre has created five jobs.

It is Ms Smith’s second store, having opened the first in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, seven months ago.

Since then she and her partner, Peter Grant, who both gave up lucrative corporate jobs to launch the business, have won accounts with hotels, restaurants and offices in North Tyneside and Newcastle.

The business also supplied blue roses for the lapels of Whitley Bay Football Club players on their recent visit to Wembley for the FA Vase final.

Mr Grant said: “Our new unit at The Gates is in a beautiful spot on the patio area at one end of Framwellgate Bridge and we are already making our mark with personal customers and corporate clients such as offices, hotels and restaurants.”

Gates centre manager Inge Johnson said: “Stephanie’s Flowers is another welcome addition for the city and underpins the variety of our offering here at The Gates.”