GROWING the tallest sunflower in Winsford is quite an achievement, especially when you’re just seven years old.

Now, 13 years after appearing in the Guardian with her yellow-flowered creation, Aimee Eves has taken over Forget Me Not florist – and hit the ground running.

The young businesswoman reopened the shop on Delamere Street just three weeks ago, taking over from previous owner Jo Yates, whose family ran it for more than 30 years.

The 20-year-old has already had bookings for three weddings and four funerals and taken dozens of orders from her blossoming clientele.

Aimee said: “When you take over a successful business you never know how busy it’s going to be, but it’s been hectic.

“I’m doing the day-to-day running of the shop and then doing the books at home in the evening.

“I love being creative with all the different kinds of flowers and I’m enjoying the challenge.”

The former Verdin High School pupil did work experience in the florist as a fresh-faced 15-year-old.

And after spending a week among the flowers, Aimee knew it was something she wanted to pursue as a career.

She went on to do a two-year apprenticeship and complete a level two diploma in work-based floristry.

Aimee has fond memories of picking flowers in her auntie’s garden when she was a little girl and arranging the roses in a vase, and everyone saying she’d created a beautiful floral display.

Her grandfather would give her a sunflower seed every year and it was her job to help it grow and keep it watered.

Aimee said: “Sunflowers are my favourite flower and they have such sentimental value.

"The one I grew that was the tallest in Winsford had 22 heads and was as big as a tree."

They always remind me of my grandad.”