AN enterprising mother whose florist business has blossomed after a year has been named one of the North-East's top young entrepreneurs.

Jill Purvis, 29, was the only woman among six finalists and fought off competition from a field described as outstanding by the judges.

Along with her title, she was presented with a cheque for £500 and a computer system featuring the latest business software.

Ms Purvis's love of flowers, artistic talent and hard work has seen her business, Daisy Chain, at Green Street, Seaham, grow fast. She specialises in arrangements using unusual flowers and fruits from all over the world.

In addition to running her shop, Ms Purvis has secured orders for weddings and is already carrying out hotel orders.

She goes on to represent the county at the regional final of the Shell Livewire Awards on Wednesday, May 9.

She said: "I am delighted to have won and look forward to the regional final.

"The prize money will go back into the business and I intend to use the computer to set up a Daisy Chain website.

"For me, working with flowers is the most relaxing, creat-ive occupation and I have wanted to start my own business since I finished my training.''

All the finalists were helped to get started by Business Link County Durham, and Ms Purvis was also able to get financial support for a nursery place for her three-year-old daughter, Ellie.

Pamela Glasper, Livewire co-ordinator, said: "Jill thoroughly deserves this award. County Durham won the Livewire title in 1995, followed by a regional award in 1999, and we have high hopes Jill will bring us more success.''

In second place in the annual awards was Simon Page, 27, who runs SK Heating Services, in Consett, and third was 26-year-old David Walker, of Durham, whose business Touch the Sky covers commercial, industrial, sports and portrait photography.

The other finalists included Dylan Baker, who runs the Really Clever IT company in Durham, Scott Edwards, who owns All Air Conditioning, Tow Law, and artist Jason Lowes, from Rookhope.