A FLORIST was named pick of the bunch at this year's market trader of the year competition. Leanna Gellel, who runs Leanne's Flowers stall in Berwick Street market, scooped the top prize in the competition, voted for by shoppers.

The florist, who set up her stall in Soho 13 years ago, puts the secret of her success down to passion for her job.

She said: "I set up my stall because I love flowers and wanted to be able to work for myself rather than somebody else. "As people who run small businesses we face stiff

competition from supermarkets, but our stalls provide people with a personal touch when it comes to customer service and we have something very valuable to offer. "I'm elated to have won and I hope that it will boost sales for me and the other traders on Berwick Street."

The 'Love your market' competition, run by Westminster Council and NHS Westminster, saw stalls judged by the public on their appearance, customer service, presentation and quality of their goods.

Nearly 600 nominations were made for traders across the borough, with Leanne's Flowers receiving 166 votes.

She has won three months of free trading, worth more than £2,000.