AN acclaimed florist who found fame at this year's Chelsea Flower Show has been sharing her secrets with her fans in Swindon.

Claire Cowling, who was given the Best Florist award at the Chelsea Flower Show in May, held a workshop at Swindon College, and demonstrated her art.

Florists from around the town and students and lecturers on the floristry course at Swindon College tried their hand at three original designs by Ms Cowling.

Sheila Matthews, programme leader at the Creative Studies Centre at Swindon College, said: "The 16 students watched demonstrations by Claire, and then copied her ideas. They constructed a bride's bouquet, a modern floral structure and a wreath arrangement."

"We were really pleased that she came," said Sheila. "It was a very successful day, and the feedback has been tremendous we'll definitely do it again."