To wow the judges, the budding florist had to demonstrate her creative and technical skills in producing four floral designs.

Ms Hryckowian must now wait to find out if she picked up enough points to make it through to the national final of the World Skills UK competition, to be held later this year at Tatton Park in Cheshire.

"It feels really good to have been named overall winner, I just really enjoy floristry," she said.

Studying at Doncaster College helped Karina to decide on a career path.

"I have taken other courses in other subjects at a different college but now I think I have found what I want to do with my life. The course at Doncaster College is great and I can't wait to do my Level 3 here next year," she explained.

Kerry Marr, the College's assistant director for Landbased Studies, described her as "a perfect student with bags of talent and is a joy to teach. Her work is truly brilliant".

Doncaster college runs a range of full-time and part-time floristry & horticulture courses at varying levels. Caroline Mitchell, who is currently taking a Level 1 course at the college, also finished in first place in the World Skills competition's mystery item category.

Solange Berchemin