AN award winning Burnley florist will be flying the flag for the county at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show next week.

Peter and Janet Boast of Going Dutch florists in Keirby Walk, Burnley, have been invited to take part in Britain's best-loved flower show.

"It's a tremendous honour for us to be asked to show at Chelsea and we are excited and a little nervous at the prospect. Winning a medal would be a dream," said Janet.

Going Dutch hit the headlines last summer when Janet was named runner-up in the Interflora Florist of the Year competition at Tatton Park. The couple were also asked by Commonwealth Games organisers in Manchester to prepare a bouquet for the Queen.

Peter said: "In the flower world Chelsea is like the Grand National, The Cup Final and Wimbledon rolled into one. As a relatively small independent florist simply being selected as one of the last 32 to exhibit is wonderful."

The theme for the show is The Opera and Peter and Janet's display will be based on Madame Butterfly -- though the final display, which has to include commercial items like a bridal bouquet, will remain a closely guarded secret until the day of the show.

Peter added: "We have been working hard developing the display for the past three months. We have done hours of research about Madame Butterfly and Japanese flowers. We have even had special glass containers made for us and a jeweller has custom-made elaborate silver accessories containers.

"Our dining room at home has been turned into a mini-workshop over the last month as we prepare."

Janet and Peter established Going Dutch 16 years ago and also have a shop in Colne. They will be part of the Floristry section at the Chelsea Flower Show on May 22 and 23.