STUDENTS who are blooming in their studies were picked to enjoy a very special breakfast.

Sam Taylor from Kingston Maurward College and Keiran Walker from the Dorset Studio School were among apprentices and students from all over the UK who attended a prestigious breakfast at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Sam was nominated by his employer, Knighton Countryside Management Ltd, as a particularly dedicated apprentice. He spends one day a week at Kingston Maurward and the rest of his time learning his trade alongside Knighton’s skilled tree surgeons.

"Sam has the potential to be an excellent arborist", said managing director Mark Gibbens.

"In addition, he has shown great commitment to the job. He has overcome a lot of difficulties this year to stick with his apprenticeship, and we are really proud of the progress he has made."

Knighton are an industry partner to the Dorset Studio School. David Humphreys, assistant principal, said: ‘Keiran is a great ambassador for the school. Currently in year 9, he is interested in all aspects of land-based work and is a great example of the kind of student the school produces. When we were asked to nominate outstanding trainees, he immediately sprang to mind."

Sam and Kieran were two of four chosen by the Arboricultural Association to represent exceptional young people within the UK industry, proving their dedication again by leaving Dorset at 4am on Friday to be in London for breakfast.

The aims of the event are to offer inspiration to young people at the start of their careers. The event was hosted by Adam Frost, garden designer and RHS ambassador and celebrated technology in horticulture and horticultural careers. Speakers Leigh Morris, CEO National Land-Based College (UK), Chris Moncrieff, production director at Vitacress and Tom Harfleet, Chelsea Show Manager spoke on how technology is progressing horticulture and careers in a changing world.