Maldon Flower Arrangement Club has scooped a gold medal at Chelsea Flower Show.

The club was one of three exhibitors for the Eastern Region in the National Association of Flower Arranging Society's marquee. The competition was entitled specialist societies and Maldon chose the Orchid Society.

"The whole display was made up of orchids and we tried to depict the setting with sand and ferns," said vice-chairman, Wendy Munnion who created the display with chairman Lionel Clark.

The club was last chosen to take part in 1994 but didn't win anything. Mrs Munnion said: "It's everyone's dream to be at Chelsea but to come away with a gold is great honour for the club."

The club was started 33 years ago and has a membership of 40. Mrs Munnion added: "I hope this will encourage more people to join us - we have a high standard to live up to now."

The club meets the second Friday of the month at the United Reformed Church Hall, Market Hill, Maldon at 7.30pm with guest speakers. For more information call 01621 854969.

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