TALENTED florists have scented success in their first trip to the country's premier flower show.

Shildon Flower Club has received a bronze medal at this week's Chelsea Flower Show.

For the first time in its 23 year history, the club was represented in the show 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 Royal Horticultural Society.

The club was the only one from the Northumberland and Durham regions represented in the floral marquee.

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."

After months of brainstorming ideas with other members of the club, who meet at Shildon Civic Hall on the first Monday of each month, the pair came up with a display combining old containers with contemporary designs.

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

Mrs Stafford said: "We felt all gardeners are looking to create peaceful and tranquil environments which is why we chose the soft-colours.

"Many hours have been spent on the display, Cynthia and I worked from 9.30pm on Sunday night through to am on Monday morning setting up the exhibit, but it has all been worth it.

"We've enjoyed participating and it's been nice to win something, particularly as the standards were so high that no gold medals were awarded in this category."

Chairman of Shildon Town Council, Councillor Garry Huntington, said: "I think this is excellent news for the club and the town.

"To pick up a bronze medal at the first attempt is incredible. It is a prestigious honour at an internationally renowned show and I congratulate them on behalf of the town council."

Mrs Scott said: "We are a thriving club, with 95 members aged 17 to 90, and I'm confident that we have very talented people who will do well in future shows."