HORDES of crowds flocked to Chard for the official opening of a blooming-ly good shop.

Floweringi, based on Boden Street, opened its doors for the first time on Friday, with a host of local dignitaries and residents attending with a special singing ceremony held by pupils from Chard School.

Running the new shop is Ingrid Edginton, from Chard, who decided to opt for a career change after 25 years in the teaching profession.

The flower shop will be selling flowers, foliage, bouquets and arrangements, as well as floral sundries, pots, vases, home and botanical accessories. Bespoke floral arrangements can be made up for all occasions.

Chard Mayor Cllr Dave Bulmer, who attended the opening, said the new store was good for the town.

Cllr Bulmer said: "This is going to be great for the town.

"I wish Ingrid every success in the world for her future, I'm sure the shop will be very popular.

"Quite often, people come up to me and say that Chard needs a good flower shop, and this fits the bill.

"I'm delighted to welcome her to the town and congratulate her on starting up her own business, and hope the people of the town support her."

Speaking before the opening, Ms Edginton said: "The support I have received has been incredible and shows what a welcoming business community we have. Flowers have a language of their own and echo our own lives; planting, growing, blooming and withering.

“Sentiments that may be hard to put into words can be conveyed through flowers. Customers can expect a personal service along with sympathetic understanding to let the flowers do the talking.”