Ex-convicts turn over new leaf

One has a conviction for grievous bodily harm, another was jailed for intent to supply cannabis and a third served two and a half years for smuggling cocaine. Not the sort of people you expect to find running a flower shop.

But when six ex-offenders were offered the chance to swap their criminal pasts for training as florists, they did not hesitate.

They were knocked into shape by Paula Pryke, one of the industry's most eminent names, who helped them start their own business. The shop - called A New Leaf - opened in March, yards from Pentonville prison in Islington and the process was filmed for a series called One Last Job, on Channel 4 in the autumn.

But as training started 36-year-old Rob, convicted of car and firearms offences, and 23-year-old Greg, convicted of offences including theft and burglary, dropped out.

Kim, 46, jailed for intent to supply cannabis, and 23-year-old Terence, also convicted of drugs charges, were bought out. That left just Cliff Stevenson and Judith Thomas, both 40, to run the shop.

Mr Stevenson had just finished a fouryear sentence for assault when he saw an advertisement for people to take part in the series. "I thought: I've got nothing to lose, so I applied," he said.

Ms Thomas, who served two-and-ahalfyears in Jamaica for smuggling cocaine, heard about the series through her college tutor.

From the start it was clear that not everyone would stay the distance. "It was improbable to think you could train them into florists in eight days and they would all live happily ever after," said Ms Pryke.

Ms Thomas added: "I am relieved that a few of the people involved in the series are no longer part of this company. I'm the business brains and Cliff is into the creative side - we're a good team now."

The pair are open about their criminal history. "This was my past but I've changed and I don't mind if people know about it," said Mr Stevenson.