Moreton Morrell florists celebrate double-medal success at WorldSkills UK #WSUKLIVE

Floristry students at Moreton Morrell College are celebrating a double-success after securing gold and silver in a national competition.

Renata Egan-Wyer and Jen Jones were two of the five florists from the college competing at the WorldSkills UK Final at the NEC in Birmingham.

Renata, from Worcester, stunned the judges and scooped the gold medal, while Jen Jones from Nottingham was presented with silver.

The competitors had to plan and create five different floral designs which demonstrated their knowledge of both colour theory and principles of design alongside specific competition floristry techniques.

After two days of competition, the medallists were announced at a gala dinner, with florists from Moreton Morrell College, which is part of WCG (formerly Warwickshire College Group) leading the way.

Mary Snee, from Leamington Spa, Jodie Owen, from Coventry and Hannah Beckley, from Evesham, also represented the college in the WorldSkills UK Final.

Jane Benefield, floristry course leader at the Moreton Morrell College, said: “We are so proud of all of our students who competed in the WorldSkills UK competition and represented our college brilliantly.

“I was over the moon to see Jen win silver, and then when Renata won gold it really did top it off.

“At WCG we are huge advocates and supporters of WorldSkills and the opportunity the competitions present students, and we would like to congratulate all the of the competitors who reached this year’s finals.”

Gold medallist Renata Egan-Wyer added: “I am so pleased I decided to enter and still can’t believe I won the gold medal.

“We were all really tired at the end of the competition as it’s really hard going and tough but worth every minute. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband, Jane and the British Florists Association (BFA).”

Silver medal winner Jen Jones, who runs her own floristry workshops in Nottingham, said it was great to see all of her hard work pay off

She said: “What an amazing few days! Our theme was a Christmas Wedding, with some known and some surprise tasks to complete.

“After two full days of competition we have made great friends from across the country and have worked our absolute hardest improving our skills along the way.

“I had such a good time and was so relieved that all my hard work had paid off with a silver medal! Our tutor Jane encouraged us all so much along the way, dedicating so many hours to our training and supporting us through the week, so we really would like to thank her for all her help.”