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Students' work displayed at Chelsea Flower Show

Jonathan Swinglerat the Chelsea Flower Show
News imageJonathan Swingler/BBC A white structure which is covered in flowers and green plants along the edges. In the middle there is a curved design which is covered in blue, red and yellow flowers. On the top there is a large yellow circle made out of plants. Three women stand to the left of the display, two of whom are taking photos on their phones. The display is in a white marquee and other displays surround it.Jonathan Swingler/BBC
The display was described as a "flowering laboratory"

A team of students have achieved their dream of exhibiting at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The group from East Durham College's Houghall campus fought off entries from across the UK and are the only college team taking part, creating a five-metre (16.4ft) installation described as a "flowering laboratory".

Lecturer Allan Raby said winning the place had been a long process but it was "what every floristry college wants".

Student Nikki Wright, from Darlington, also won a silver award in the Florist of the Year category.

The team spent months preparing the display under the guidance of Royal Florist Simon Lycett.

The intricate structure, made up of hundreds of delicate pieces, including test tubes, had to be carefully packed and transported by van from County Durham to London before being rebuilt on site.

"It's not easy," Raby said.

"This is what every floristry college wants."

News imageJonathan Swingler/BBC Timothy Spall laughing. He has light, short hair and is wearing dark glasses, a blue blazer, tartan waistcoat and lighter blue shirt underneath. One of his hands is in his trouser pockets while the other rests by his side. Three women are standing to the left also laughing. The one closest to him has white, short hair and is wearing a beige suit. There is a woman with red hair next to her, but she is mostly blocked by a woman with dark hair and glasses. They are standing where the exhibitions are which is a large marquee with grass on the floor.Jonathan Swingler/BBC
Actor Timothy Spall said it was "one of the best exhibits" he had seen

Actor Timothy Spall was among those to see the college's work.

"I'll tell you what, this is one of the best exhibits I've seen," he said.

"To see all their lovely work and meet these really charming people with this massive enthusiasm and their skill as well - it's a treat."

News imageJonathan Swingler/BBC Nikki Wright standing in front of a display which is made out of purple and pink flowers inside a curved, white structure. She is smiling and has blonde, shoulder-length hair and a full fringe and is wearing a turquoise suit with a white top underneath. There is a white wall behind the display.Jonathan Swingler/BBC
Student Nikki Wright won a silver award in the Florist of the Year category

For some students, the project marked a turning point.

Amy Wilson, who works for Nissan, said she hoped the experience will help her change career.

"My long-term plan is to hopefully become a florist, maybe even have my own business," she said.

Wright said taking part was "the stuff dreams are made of," adding being involved in Chelsea has exceeded her expectations.

The college hopes this year's success will be the first of many appearances at future shows.

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