A CHURCH was transformed into a dazzling array of colour and creativity during an exhibition of almost 300 quilts and patchworks.

The biennial show took place at St James church in Haslingden over the weekend and attracted hundreds of visitors.

The quilts were produced by classes run by tutor Jenny Kittos, who runs quilting and patchwork session in Rawtenstall, Oswaldtwistle and Colne.

She said the many hours of work had gone into the display. “We have around a dozen special frames which we erect to hang the quilts from,” she said.

“It’s very hard work to put them up, and indeed to take them down but I had many willing volunteers.

“It’s all worth it when you see the end result with all the colour and styles.

“The exhibition space in the church is a magnificent area and the building itself is a fine setting.

“I’ve got around 50 members at the various groups, including one man.

“It spurs on the members to see what others have produced and encourages and give them new ideas.”

The building is the ‘mother’ church of the town and is the most prominent building in the town, with a history going back to the 12th century.

Kaye Ridings is the church warden at St James.

She said: “The church looked wonderful and vibrant and we had many visitors who wouldn’t normally see the inside.

“Many people see the building from the bypass but few have seen how great it is inside.

“We set up a cafe for people going to the exhibition and were run off our feet all weekend.”

Those wishing to enquire about classes can contact Jenny on jenny.jenny@btinernet.com.