BUDDING florist Katie Greenhalgh has been busy this week getting ready for the Mother's Day gift rush for tomorrow.

Of course, a career can be difficult when you have to get to school -- but five year-old Katie is happy to combine her "work" with lessons at Egerton Primary School near her home.

Twice a week before school she helps to put out the floral displays at the Diddybox flower shop in Belmont Road, Sharples, where mum Lyndsey works part-time.

Owner Kath White is full of praise for her -- "She a really great little helper," she said.

In fact, Katie has been so good this week that Kath gave her a basket of roses and orchids to take to school for a Mother's Day assembly.

As for her mum, Lyndsey admits that she often calls Katie her "little flower" but, she adds with a glance at that cheeky grin, "not all the time."