A WORLD famous florist will visit the Island in March to showcase his work in support of a Manx registered charity.

German florist Gregor Lersch will give an evening demonstration and host a full day workshop in aid of the Hands of Hope charity.

Hands of Hope helps the poor and needy in Romania with practical home building projects, distribution of aid and by befriending families and disadvantaged people.

Gregor has worked in 40 countries and has achieved a high international profile because of his work.

He comes from a family of gardeners - for the last 140 years five generations of the Lersch family have been dedicated to nature and its design.

Gregor's visit to the Island has been arranged by The Flower Studio in St Johns.

A spokesperson for The Flower Studio said: "Gregor works with plants and flowers in all of their elements and the recurrent message in his distinctive designs is to showcase the natural form of flora to its best advantage whilst continually striving to achieve new and ever changing forms of expression.

"His work is shown, taught and copied throughout the world and his ground breaking and intuitive designs have turned floral design on its head.

"Seminars, workshops and exhibitions are just as much a part of his extensive repertoire as are large stage presentations and work with both television and the press.

"His numerous book publications are not only inspirational but have become the go to books of reference for tutors, professional florists and flower arrangers alike."

Both flower arranging events will take place at Broadway Baptist Church in Douglas.

The demonstration will take place at 7pm on Wednesday, March 7. Tickets cost £45. The full day workshop will take place from 9.30am on Thursday, March 8. Tickets cost £85.

Proceeds from the evening event will be donated to Hands of Hope.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please contact Heidi Baker from The Flower Studio on 01624 800061 or Trudi Hudson on 07624 424155.