STUNNING flower arrangements, cream teas, stalls and competitions all added up to a great fund-raising weekend at Christchurch. Villagers and organisations pulled out all the stops for the flower festival in the parish church and the other events, raising

STUNNING flower arrangements, cream teas, stalls and competitions all added up to a great fund-raising weekend at Christchurch.

Villagers and organisations pulled out all the stops for the flower festival in the parish church and the other events, raising thousands of pounds.

Co-ordinator Margaret Sparrow said the festival, with the theme, Pairs, attracted lots of visitors. There were 30 floral arrangements depicting famous pairs such as Torvill and Dean, and seaside favourites Punch and Judy. About £700 was given by visitors to the church.

This year cream teas were served for the first time from a house near the church, raising a further £1,000.

The flower festival ended with a well-attended 'Songs of Praise' event on Sunday afternoon.

Stalls and competitions were set up in the Memorial Hall on Saturday by the Craft Club, Garden Club and Women's Institute, each raising about £100.

There was a special competition called 'A Healthy Meal on a Plate' for pupils from Townley School. The youngsters came up with a variety of ideas of real looking food made from art materials.

A photographic competition for entries on 'A Country Scene' was judged by Councillor Mac Cotterell and his wife, Madge.