SOMETHING special is flowering in Dorchester with the emergence of a new group.

The Dorchester Floral Group held its first ever meeting in the Dorchester Youth Association Hall earlier this month.

It marks the return of a NAFAS (National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies) affiliated flower club to the town, following in the footsteps of the Dorset Floral Decoration Society that was started by Mary Pope in 1950.

Tutor Carrie Diamond said the club had held practice meetings where "enthusiastic members were stimulated by this creative art form".

She and fellow tutor Annette Parker will be on hand to demonstrate and teach a new design at each monthly meeting.

Both tutors have many years of experience in floral art and say they are delighted to shared their love of their art and of flowers with this new group.

The new club held a competition and 12 members displayed their flair and creative artistry with some stunning flower exhibits titled Fit for the Queen. Annette and Carrie have been teaching them for a couple of years and are thrilled that the group have supported them in reviving a Dorchester Floral Group.

Following the judging and critique by area judge Sheila Bendall, the members, guests, Dorset and Guernsey area president Pam Dutton and chairman Rees McKay partied with drinks and a celebration cake.

The new club was presented with the original cup of The Dorchester Floral Decoration Society by Evelyn Toogood and Anne Bates from the former Dorchester club.

Winner of the competition Carolyn Mutlow, was then presented with the cup by the area president Pam Dutton.

Both the area president and area chairman spoke and warmly welcomed the new members to the wider family of flower arrangers and expressed their delight at the formation of the club.

Annette and Carrie say they both have a passion for sharing their love of flowers and were thrilled at the response, skill and support of their members. They said they were delighted that the competition showed the quality of work that their students have achieved.

Carrie said: "It truly was a night of fun, friendship and flowers."