A Poundbury florist was the pick of the bunch at a national awards ceremony.

The Poundbury Florist was crowned retail florist of the year at the Re:fresh Awards run by the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) and The Fresh Produce Journal – an occasion dubbed the Oscars for the fresh produce and cut flower industry.

Owner and head florist Jessie Copper was presented with the prestigious award at a gala dinner in London by actor and comedian Hugh Dennis.

She said: “To get to the final was fabulous in its own right, but to win is just amazing. We were up against stiff competition but the hard work and dedication of my team won through in the end.”

Jessie added: “It is brilliant that Re: fresh runs this award every year, to raise the profile of a highly-skilled florist as well as the industry in general.

“We are so proud to be honoured with this award in 2011 – our fifth year of trading – and look forward to using this accolade to further promote the work we do within Dorset in all aspects of our business.

“Most of these awards generally go to florists up in London with five shops or something so it really great to get recognised down here.”

Jessie employs three staff at her Lydgate Street florist and also has a team of volunteers that help with weddings.

She said the award is the result of a collective effort and the close-knit team of staff was something the judges recognised.

They were also impressed with the florist’s development of a user-friendly website that gives customers the tools to create their own bespoke design.

Chief executive of the FPC Nigel Jenney said: “The standard of entries was extremely high.

“We’re delighted to recognise The Poundbury Florist’s achievement as retail florist of the year.

“The Poundbury Florist’s imaginative new developments have helped it succeed, despite tough economic times.”

Jessie added that she enjoyed her trip up to London and meeting Mr Dennis.

She said: “He was brilliant, he was so funny. I’m not sure he knows a huge amount about The Fresh Produce Journal but he had to do a bit of research beforehand so he knew a little bit about what he was talking about.”