GREEN-FINGERED students from York's Askham Bryan College had a blooming marvellous time at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show, where they collected a host of awards.

An imaginative and creative design with more than a thousand flowers around and on a car bonnet won floristry students a prestigious gold award on the opening day of the show.

In addition, there were individual silver and bronze medals in the floristry bridal and waistcoat/basque classes, while in the show garden section, horticulture students also won a silver medal with their Stages of Life garden.

Kate Pepper, senior lecturer in floristry, said: "To win a gold medal at what is one of Britain's top flower shows is a wonderful achievement.

"The students deserve success, they have worked hard researching the design and planning the display as well as putting it all together.

"In addition, competing at such a large and prestigious event which has thousands of visitors is a brilliant experience for them."

In total, six colleges were competing and last month each received half a car to decorate.

For Askham Bryan College, it was a black Kia and the eight students, led by Lindsey Magill, used shades of orange, pink, red and yellow for their colourful display. Around 1,200 flowers, including orchids, anthuriums, calla lilies and roses were used.