ENTHUSIASTIC florists in West Devon will have the opportunity to develop their skills as a professional school in floristry and contemporary floral design is setting up in Tavistock.

The Academy of Floral Art based in Exeter, is owned by renowned duo Tina Parkes and Julie Collins, who successfully run professional and recreational floristry courses in both Covent Garden, London and in the South West. They will be setting up a school in Tavistock this May.

Tina Parkes said: 'The South West has some amazingly talented florists who ordinarily have to travel some distances for floral education and Tavistock seems the perfect centre to provide them with the opportunity for them to gain the educational recognition they deserve for their skills. With the British Flower Association (BFA) looking into the possibility of kite marking florists in the future, florists can safeguard their future by gaining these valuable qualifications.'

Julie Collins added: 'Although we recognise that qualifications are not for everyone, the school also offers recreational floral courses for those who love flowers and would like to explore design further taking inspiration from the leaders of the industry.'

The courses will be held in The Greenhouse at Mount Tavy Cottage. The City and Guilds Professional courses level two and three will be run by Catherine Date, a Chelsea medal winner who already works for the academy in Newton Abbot, and the recreational workshops will be run by Amanda Randell, formerly of the flower shop RandellCox in Tavistock.

Amanda Randell said: 'The Greenhouse is an ideal venue for florists, placed in aesthetically pleasing surroundings to inspire, with all the practical amenities required for running a professional floristry school.'

The Academy of Floral Art is holding a free introductory workshop on Wednesday, May 4 from 10am to 2pm to celebrate the launch of the school, and all skill levels are invited to try their hand.

To book or for more information call 07902 884208 or visit http://www.academyoffloralart.co.uk ">www.academyoffloralart.co.uk ;