A STUDENT from Writtle College student appeared on The Alan Titchmarsh Show yesterday and won a floristry challenge.

Sophie Jones, who is studying a Level 3 Floristry course, contacted the show after they tweeted that they were looking for people to take part in a floristry demonstration with hashtag Writtle College.

Sophie answered the call and she was invited to the ITV studios in South Bank, London, on Wednesday.

Along with two other contestants, she was given 30 minutes in the “floristry fisticuffs” to create an Autumnal arrangement, with celebrity florist Simon Lycett judging the competition for Alan – who is Writtle College patron.

Sophie, from Brentwood, said: “My Autumnal arrangement features Chinese Lanterns, roses, berries, hydrangeas, stocks and rosehips and I just wanted it to be a burst of Autumnal colour.

“I was really nervous but I think the arrangement went very well and I’m really proud of it. It was a great experience and amazing to meet Simon Lycett and Alan Titchmarsh, especially with his connection to Writtle College.”

In describing the 20-year-old’s creation, Simon Lycett said it was “floral fabulousness” and that it featured a “bold use of colour”.

He said it was like a smorgasbord of colours and flowers, and that Sophie had pretty much used all the materials supplied.

Sophie, who hopes to set up her own business in the future, won “sundries with a botanical bent”!

Elaine Thackray, Writtle College FE Floristry Lecturer, congratulated Sophie, saying: “Sophie produced a beautiful design using lots of textures and forms that complemented each other exceptionally well.

“She certainly coped with the pressure and short timescale in which she was given to complete the challenge. All the lecturers and staff in the Floristry department at Writtle College are so proud of her achievements.”