A SPECTACULAR four day festival with flowers brought to life the past and present of St Philip's Church in a colourful finale to its 75th anniversary celebrations.

Beautiful flower arrangements sponsored by local firms and organisations adorned the Stubbins church over the Bank Holiday Weekend, some depicting bridal fashions over the past 75 years and others marking the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

The Reverend Gerald Higham, vicar of St Philip's Church, is pictured taking a leaf out of the fashion bible Vogue and shows of the past and present trends in clergy wear.

Church warden John Arnott said: "The festival with flowers went extremely well. We were all very tired by the end of it but it was so worthwhile.

"So far we have counted £3,891 from the festival which is a tremendous achievement for a village church."

All year parishioners having been holding events to mark the 75 years of the church's existence, which according to Mr Arnott, have enhanced the church's standing in the community.

"The interest in St Philip's Church has been great. We have had so many people attending the events some who until we started our celebrations did not know there was a church so close to them. The celebrations have promoted the church and brought the community together. This is something we will continue to do and hopefully more and more people will attend services in the future."

As well as the festival with flowers, a craft stall was held in the church hall.