PARISHIONERS are busy decking out every nook and cranny of their church for the highlight of 150th birthday celebrations.

St James Church in Congleton will be groaning under the weight of sweet-smelling blooms next week for a three-day flower festival.

It is the major event in a series staged to mark the church's 150th anniversary, and the theme of the festival is to be saints in worship.

The floral arrangements have been designed by members of the church and South Cheshire Floral Society, and the festival runs from July 23 to 25.

It starts on Thursday evening, July 22, with a service of dedication attended by Congleton town mayor Margaret Williamson.

The festival will be open to members of the public on the Friday and Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and on the Sunday morning, St James Day, Canon Michael Reece will be taking Patronal Mass.

''The saints depicted in the floral arrangements will include St James the Great, St Francis of Assisi, St Matthew and a host of others,'' said Lyndon Murgatroyd, secretary of St James PCC.

''The last flower festival was in 1986, when the theme was the sacraments, and we expect this year's theme to provide an equally striking and uplifting experience.''

Refreshments will be available each day.

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