VIBRANT orange gerberas and serene white lilies adorned ancient St Mary's Church to show the precious role prayer has played in the past 100 years.

A flower festival was held as part of the centenary celebrations of West Bank promenade.

Parishioner Ada Gelling, celebrating her 100th birthday, opened the colourful spectacle.

Creative flower arrangers festooned the altar, pulpit, pews, windows, font, lectern and choir stalls with elaborate displays.

Every effort was made to capture events and activities involving the local community since the turn of the century.

Nostalgic old photographs and newspaper cuttings re-kindled fond memories.

The Old Transporter was brought back to life with boats made from flowers.

Pictures of billowing chimneys recalled Widnes as home of the chemical industry.

Former curate Rev Sylvia Coke-Woods, said: "St Mary's stands looking out over the River Mersey and has seen many of the events that have taken place over the last 100 years. The church has always played an important part in community life."

Hymns led visitors through the 16 displays, depicting the festival theme Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow.

The Bishop of Warrington led Songs of Praise, closing the event on Sunday evening.