A florist is 'over the moon' to be announced as 'the best florist' in three counties.

Jane Burns, owner of Just Flowers in Halthwhistle, was thrilled to learn that over 3,500 votes from public votes named her as The Best Florist in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and County Durham at the England Business Awards on Monday, July 4.

Jane attended the event with apprentice Annie Armstrong but did not think they would win.

"When one person nominated us for the awards, we thought nothing of it," Jane said.

"Someone just came into the shop one day to tell us that we had been nominated and left us with an option whether to take part or not.

"I wasn't sure if we should do it but Annie encouraged me to take part as it was a good opportunity.

"The next day, we then put a poster up saying we were a nominee and people could vote on their phone to nominate us.

"Finally the big day arrived and we attended the awards night and again didn't expect to win.

"We waited until every florist was read out of who was nominated and then a golden envelope appeared. 

"It was opened and then the shop's name was read out.

"We were in shock and still are."

Jane has been a florist for 44 years and has stayed local to her hometown Haltwhistle despite going to Cambridge to train.

The business was once ran by her parents until Jane took it over and is going strong for 77 years, as it continues to be a popular for customers - who nominated it for an award.

Jane adds:"It is the first big award for the shop. We are still in shock that we have been named as the best in three different counties.

"We found that we had 3,500 votes which led us ot the big win - which is lovely to see that many people wanted us to do well.

"We would like to thank all our customers who have been loyal to our business and thank everyone for their support."