FOR the second year running, Flowers by Donna in Launceston has successfully beaten the competition to be named Retail Florist Shop of the Year in the British Florist Association Awards.

Flowers by Donna was established in the summer of 2009 by Donna Cornish, with the shop opening in the winter of 2011 and she said she has “loved every minute of it”, adding: “It’s a joy to create flowers for all occasions and be part of a lovely community.”

There was some strong competition once again this year, with the top ten florists in the country competing for the award, making the win all the more special for Donna: “There was such strong competition, being up against the top ten retail florist shops in the UK really is amazing and to win for a second time was incredible!”

In a return to some normality, Donna was able to attended the awards ceremony in person and was delighted. She said: “I was absolutely delighted to win for a second year running, a true honour to be winner of this prestigious industry award for a consecutive year. Retail Florist Shop of the Year in the whole of the UK really is something. It was amazing to be able to attend the awards in person this year. I’m so grateful to our wonderful community here in Launceston for their continued support of my florist shop.

“I felt huge pride knowing that our wonderful local community helped make this dream a reality for me – I absolutely love what I do and to have the continued support from our local community for another year has been more than amazing!”

Donna added: “I’d love to thank each and everyone that has not only voted for me but continues to support my independent florist shop in the heart of our wonderful town.”