By Meg Jorsh

Last updated at 08:58, Friday, 11 July 2008

A blossoming teenage flower arranger has won a prestigious prize with an unusual display featuring roses, onions, potatoes – and a cabbage.

Royal appointment: Laura Potts from Dalston who won the YFC’s senior floral art competition at the Royal Show

Laura Potts, 14, of Buckabank, Dalston, was first in the Young Farmers’ Club’s senior floral art competition at last week’s showpiece Royal Show in Warwickshire.

It was a success made even more impressive by the fact she had never before competed on the national stage – and only entered the competition because no-one else from her YFC branch was available.

She said: “It was really big and scary, but exciting at the same time. I want to do it again next year.”

Competing in the senior category, the Caldew School pupil faced entrants aged up to 26.

The theme of the competition was Farmer’s Market, chosen to celebrate 2008 as the Year of Food and Farming.

Proud mum Gillian, 46, said: “We were flabbergasted, especially as it’s the first time she’s been to a national. The photos I’ve taken of the event are all blurry because I was shaking so much!”

She added: “The Young Farmers’ Club have her roped into all sorts of things. It’s an ideal opportunity to learn new skills.”

Laura, a member of Caldbeck YFC for four years, had only limited flower arranging experience. She entered the competition when no-one else from the club was available.

Luckily, her aunt Margaret Brough is chairman of Carlisle Flower Club and provided expert training.

Laura will now hold the silver Royal Show trophy, first given in 1963, for the next year. She has also been awarded a commemorative plaque.

Far from resting on her laurels, however, she is heading straight for her next challenge.

This October, she will act as chairman in a YFC national debating competition.

Graham Holliday, chairman of Cumbria YFC, said: “This has been a hugely successful year for Cumbria YFC.

“We had 30 people competing at the Royal Show and they all did exceptionally well to reach the national finals.”

First published at 05:36, Friday, 11 July 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk