A BARNARD Castle church welcomed Easter worshippers with more than a dozen arrangements of lilies over the weekend.

St. Mary’s Parish Church, in Newgate, celebrated the Resurrection with the display of the seasonal flower throughout the church which is open every day to visitors.

The church was packed for the main service on Sunday morning (April 5) which featured the full choir and a baptism.

Many of the Easter lilies were sponsored by members of the parish who wish to have someone specially remembered in prayers and a Record of Remembrance is on display by St. Margaret’s Chapel adjacent to the font in the church.

The bank holiday teas and book sale also raised more than £800 for church funds and another £126 was raised for the Friends of Barnard Castle Library on Saturday (April 4).

Reverend Canon Alec Harding said: “The Flower Guild have once again presented us with a wonderful celebration of the new life of the resurrection and the glory of God’s creation.

“We are also grateful to those who baked, served and sorted books over the Bank Holiday to raise funds for the ministry of the church.”

For more information contact the Revd Harding on 01833-637018.