TALENTED florists have come up smelling of roses in their first ever trip to the country's top flower show.

Shildon Flower Club has landed a bronze award at the Chelsea Flower Show.

For the first time in its 23- year history, the club was represented by founder and president Cynthia Scott and chairman Mildred Stafford.

Their debut entry, called Bloomin' Bliss, was awarded a bronze medal in the Gardener's Paradise section of the floral contest.

Mrs Scott, of School Aycliffe, said: "We were absolutely delighted, I'm very proud to have achieved this in our first year at Chelsea. It has been a wonderful experience and quite an achievement for a small place like Shildon."

Using moss-covered stone troughs and trellis, they covered a 6x4ft area with peach, pale terracotta and cream roses, peonies and delphiniums.