GREEN fingered enthusiasts from Hampshire are putting the finishing touches to a major floral exhibit.

The Wessex branch of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies plans to take the display to the Chelsea Flower Show.

The society has 21 branches that take turns to exhibit at the show, and this is the Wessex group’s first chance for two decades.

The team includes Heather and Steve Ingham from Hursley and Brenda Bailey, who lived in the village for 20 years before moving to Sweden. She has returned to Hursley while the exhibit is assembled.

President of Otterbourne Flower and Garden Club, Eleanor Milne, is also onboard, along with Marla Williams and Jackie Knight from Hythe.

The team started to prepare their exhibit last autumn in a small room at Middle Wallop air base near Stockbridge.

However, as it now measures 30 feet long by 20 feet wide and 15 feet tall, it soon became too large for its first home.

After combing the south for a suitable venue, they moved to an empty hangar at Netheravon air base in Wiltshire.

The Hampshire members of the team are now making regular trips across the border to put the finishing touches to their display.

Chelsea Flower Show regulars, Hillier Nurseries from Ampfield near Romsey, will also be joining them at the event.

The exhibition takes place from Tuesday, May 19 to Saturday, May 23.