A YOUNG Borders mum and businesswoman is celebrating after securing a royal award for enterprise.

Emma McDonald, from Peebles, was named runner-up at the Prince’s Trust & Samsung Celebrate Success Awards in London.

Watched by the Prince of Wales, the 24-year-old was receiving recognition for turning around her life and establishing her floristry business Stems from her own backyard with just £200.

The glittering ceremony in London’s Leicester Square Odeon was hosted by Ant and Dec and attended by an array of celebrities, including actor Kevin Spacey, X Factor judge Simon Cowell and World Cup winner Thierry Henry.

Emma was runner up in the RBS Enterprise Award, which recognises young people who have overcome serious difficulties in order to achieve success in creating a sustainable business or social enterprise.

She was one of just three people from across the UK to be chosen as a finalist for the award.

Emma said: “The Prince’s Trust in Scotland gave me the break I needed to turn my business into a success.

“Stems is now going from strength to strength and I feel extremely proud of everything I have accomplished with the support of The Trust. Things couldn’t be better.” At 21, and with only £200 in savings, Emma set up Stems. The Prince’s Trust helped her write a business plan and secured grants to buy business cards, signage for her car and a shed to use as a workshop.

Stems was named Florist of the Year in Scotland last year and demand for its wedding flowers has more than tripled in a year.

Ant and Dec hosted the award night in front of the Prince Trust’s founder and president, the Prince of Wales, and a 1,600 strong audience.  Ant and Dec said: “We’re very excited to be presenting The Prince’s Trust & Samsung Celebrate Success Awards for the fourth time. We’ve been ambassadors of The Prince’s Trust for 15 years now and are proud to support such an amazing cause.

“Unemployment can have a huge effect on the wellbeing of young people. The Prince’s Trust is truly an amazing organisation that supports young people to achieve their full potential.”