STAFF at Cottage Flowers in Ilminster are celebrating after being accepted for the Good Florist Guide.

The web-based directory of the best florists in the country only features exceptional businesses and is designed to give customers extra confidence.

East Street’s Cottage Flowers, run by Angie Blackwell, Jacalyn Dobson and Holly-Jane Harris, had to pass a rigorous evaluation process before being approved.

They had to submit a detailed description of their floristry business, including the range of flowers available and services offered, as well as pictures of the business premises, their design work, the team and even the delivery vehicle.

Angie said: “We’re delighted to be accepted into the Good Florist Guide.

“We’re passionate about flowers, design, quality and the service we give each of our customers, so it’s wonderful to have this recognised.”

Caroline Marshall-Foster, editor of Florist magazine, set up the Good Florist Guide to share the knowledge she has gained through years in the industry.

She said: “You can buy flowers virtually anywhere these days, but nothing really beats the experience of receiving fabulous flowers from a truly bespoke florist and without it costing an arm or a leg.

“The Good Florist Guide is my way of sharing all that’s good about floristry.

“It allows consumers to know the florist they use is able and willing to go the extra mile and make all their purchases, big or small, truly special.”