Brides and grooms from all over North and East Yorkshire vied to win a prestigious competition launched to mark a city florist's centenary.

CHARLOTTE PERCIVAL reports

Wards of York has been supplying flowers to blushing brides for 100 years now.

The florist, in Clifford Street, is one of the oldest family businesses still trading in the city.

It seemed only natural when it teamed up with the Evening Press in March to celebrate its centenary year with a range of competitions, that it should offer two lucky couples the chance of free flowers for their special day.

David Bough, creative director of Wards, said: "We are delighted to be able to put something back into the community and we are very pleased with the entries we received."

As well as providing free blooms worth £500 for winners Clare Mawson and Marc Cocker, Wards gave £100-worth of flowers to lucky runners-up James Gilbertson and Sara Shaw.

The couple, both 20 and from Haxby, have their own individual romantic tale.

After meeting Sara in a York wine bar two years ago, James was taken to hospital with breathing problems and a swollen throat.

He was seriously ill from "kissing someone with a throat infection", but cheered up after receiving a phone call in hospital from Sara.

A year later, James popped the question.

Sara said: "I get it thrown back in my face now again that I tried to kill him, but it was fate.

"I'm so excited about the wedding, I just wish it was nearer."

The couple will tie the knot in Hazelwood Castle on May 9 next year, with their £100 of free flowers from Wards.

James said: "I'm really happy, it means more than ever."

Winner Clare and Marc's story is a little more romantic, as Clare recounts.

"My boyfriend Marc and myself were having a wonderful romantic weekend break in Paris," she said.

"We decided to visit the Eiffel Tower. Half way up the tower I was extremely terrified of the height and I was breaking into a cold sweat.

"Marc suddenly proposed marriage. I was so overcome by emotion I forgot my fear of the height, gave him a big hug and said 'yes'.

"We are currently arranging our forthcoming marriage in June, happily looking forward to our big day. I am sure it will be a blooming wonderful day and our life will keep on blossoming."

Updated: 10:59 Tuesday, May 06, 2003