The Knaresborough flower shop on Market Place is set to change hands this month as one florist retires and another takes on the reins.

Tracey Bell has run Ruebery Flowers for four years, she said it was longer than planned but she felt the town needed a florist so said she wouldn't retire until she found another person to take over her shop.

Ms Bell has worked in floristry for 15 years, for her having a florist in the town is "as important as a bakers and butchers".

Over the years she's had some interesting requests, the most memorable was from a Swiss priest who had travelled over to the bless the marriage of an Indonesian couple. Ms Bell said he asked for two colourful garlands to hang round the couple's necks but was surprised when he said "could you do them whilst I go put a bet on?"

Ms Bell said:

She said covid brought its own challenges, a lot of her customers passed away but there were also many who were unable to see family. She began to do small flower deliveries to around 20 homes each week all ordered from families living away from their Knaresborough relatives.

The florist said for her it was important to be as sustainable as possible, so she removes plastic packaging and foam and purchases her flowers from local growers. This is something the next shop owner, Kirsty Wilson, plans to continue.

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Ms Wilson said her shop will be similar - offering flowers for weddings and events, as well as fresh flowers for people to choose from.

Ms Bell's last day will be Friday, June 17. However she is finishing with a "full circle moment"  with one final wedding on June 18 at Ripley Castle where she started her floristry career.

Ms Wilson is aiming to open River & Rose on July 1.