A LOCAL couple are celebrating after their business scooped major success at the RHS Tatton Show.

Kath and Steve Richards have been trading as K & S Nurseries for over 12 years and were thrilled to see their work rewarded with a silver-gilt medal and also a special award of Best Newcomer in the Floral Marquees.

The duo began showing their collection of 'ornamental grasses' in 1997 at small agricultural shows and garden festivals as they were unable to get into the larger events.

The Poole-based business applied for RHS Tatton for the last four years and the couple were surprised to finally gain acceptance into the 'Grand Floral Marquee'.

"Once the excitement had died down panic took over," explained Kath.

"It is one of the most prestigious shows in the country and we were beginning to wonder if we had bitten off more than we could chew.

"The run up to the show was horrendous as temperatures soared up to 109 degrees in the tunnels and we were having to water constantly.

"Then disaster struck as the water main burst and some of the plants started to suffer.

"Luckily the display plants were OK and then the following day there was a terrific thunderstorm."

The display took two and a half days to set up and they kept their fingers crossed that it was good enough for a medal.

"We were surprised when the judges came back for a second look," continued Kath.

"Later we were told that we had won a sliver-gilt medal and also a special award of Best Newcomer in the Floral Marquees."

The nursery is open by appointment only by calling 07931 590995.