EASTLEIGH MP BUTTONHOLED WITH FLOWERS BY STUDENT FLORISTS

10.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 16th Jun 2009

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne was impressed by Eastleigh College's wide range of vocational courses when he received a surprise bouquet buttonhole from the trainee florists.

Mr Huhne is pictured here with Lisa Crook, course teacher, and some of the 60 students learning the skills of floristry for future careers in the trade.

Some of the students are working part-time with local florist shops, while others are studying to improve their chances of a job.

"The skill and patience that goes into these intricate floristry displays is impressive, and there will always be a market for beautiful flowers on special occasions like weddings, christenings and funerals of loved ones," said Chris Huhne.

"Everyone knows about Eastleigh College's reputation for high quality vocational qualifications in engineering, plumbing and so on, but there is a far wider range of courses than many people think until they look at the list," said Mr Huhne.

The National Certificate City and Guilds Level 2 course covers all aspects of floristry including formal arrangements, gift posies and intricate work for special occasions such as matching buttonholes for groom, best man and ushers and circlets and corsages for women.

For those interested in making floristry their vocation, or to simply develop a hobby, Eastleigh College is holding its second annual Floristry Show on 24th June from 7pm until 10pm. The show offers an insight into floral design by David Ragg, one of Britain's premier designers, and a chance to meet the tutors and to view a vast array of floral demonstrations created by the College's own newly qualified florists.