AN INTERNATIONAL floral designer is set to wow a crowd at Fallibroome High School when he stages his first decorative show in three years.

Barry Grey, 60, has 40 years of floral experience, arranging gigs in all corners of the globe.

And, back by popular demand, he will make his theatrical return Thursday, November 13 in aid of the East Cheshire Hospice Capital Appeal.

The Surrey-born bloomer, who lives in Eaton, Cheshire, is set to dazzle a sell out audience of 440.

"The name of my performance is ‘By Eastern Starlight Guided’," said Barry. "It’s the journey of the wise men in flowers. I want to inject the real story of Christmas.  East Cheshire Hospice is a worthy cause and is very close to most people’s hearts. You never know when any of us are going to need it, so I jumped at the chance to help."

Fortunately for the hospice, one of Barry’s floral friends is ECH community fundraiser Jill Hine – who is partly responsible for his return to centre stage.

"Jill asked me if I would like to do a demonstration in aid of the hospice appeal and I jumped at the chance," said Barry.

Only a handful of tickets remain, and with the hospice appeal now spreading, Jill has her sights set clearly on the goal ahead.

She said: "We want to raise £5,500 from the show. There are over 50 flower clubs in Cheshire so I knew it would be a hit and couldn’t wait to get the project off the ground. People have been really enthused by Barry’s return to the stage and I think the ticket sales clarify this."

For Barry – who fell into gardening at a young age – it wasn’t all about working trips to the UK, Europe, Southern Ireland and the Caribbean.

"I decorated Gawsworth Hall at Christmas for seven years and Jill helped me with this," he said."I’m very privileged to work with a very beautiful product and have been lucky enough to make lots of friends while doing it."

Jill said: "It’s been a great talking point. People are coming from all over the country to see the show. It’s not just flowers – it’s a performance. There will be music, lights – he’s an artist in his own field!"

There will also be a raffle, and information on the Caring for our Future Capital Appeal will be on show.

Funds raised from Barry’s demonstration will go towards transforming the facilities at the Millbank Drive-based charity.

Jill added: "Barry is committed to helping improve floral skills and to developing up to the minute techniques for creating both contemporary and classical designs. He’s a master of floral design and this evening is not to be missed."

The show will take place from 6.30pm and tickets cost £10 per person.

They are available from Jill Hine on 01625 665692, or the website at jhine@echospice.org.uk .