BOLTON florist Kath White believes that flowers at work can cut absenteeism and sickness. And she should know.

Kath, who owns Diddybox flower shop in Belmont Road, has qualified for the national Flowers for Business programme. She's one of fewer than 100 florists countrywide to do so.

"Recent findings have identified that houseplants can reduce stress in the workplace," said Kath. "And if that is the case, then I can only think that cut flowers, too, can have an equally calming effect."