THE Southampton florist who gave away 40,000 bouquets of flowers to key workers has gone a step further - with a billboard and van to thank them for their efforts.

Mark Fitzpatrick of The Flower Factory in Onslow Road delivered the blooms to hard-working doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physios, carers and other key workers in six Hampshire hospitals and a number of care homes.

He has now had a digital billboard and a van adorned to thank the NHS. Both the billboard and van, which belong to Elonex Outdoor Media, display pictures of key workers carrying Flower Factory flowers.

The Flower Factory, a florist, wholesaler and garden centre, has reopened and is selling fresh fruit, vegetables and plants.